April 28, 2018
Komodo dragons are the largest living species of lizard, growing to a maximum length 11 feet and weighing up to approximately 300 pounds. They live on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Padar. As a result of their size, these lizards dominate the ecosystems in which they live. Komodo dragons hunt and ambush prey including invertebrates, birds, and mammals. It has been claimed that they have a venomous bite; there are two glands in the lower jaw which secrete several toxic proteins. The biological significance of these proteins is disputed, but the glands have been shown to secrete an anticoagulant. The diet of big Komodo dragons mainly consists of Timor deer, though they also eat considerable amounts of carrion, decaying flesh of dead animals. Komodo dragons also occasionally attack humans.
Komodo dragons are the largest living species of lizard, growing to a maximum length 11 feet and weighing up to approximately 300 pounds. They live on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Padar. As a result of their size, these lizards dominate the ecosystems in which they live. Komodo dragons hunt and ambush prey including invertebrates, birds, and mammals. It has been claimed that they have a venomous bite; there are two glands in the lower jaw which secrete several toxic proteins. The biological significance of these proteins is disputed, but the glands have been shown to secrete an anticoagulant. The diet of big Komodo dragons mainly consists of Timor deer, though they also eat considerable amounts of carrion, decaying flesh of dead animals. Komodo dragons also occasionally attack humans.
