Komodo Dragon, the Largest Lizard in the World
The Komodo dragon, Varanus komodoensis, is the largest lizard endemic to some islands in southeast Indonesia. The islands of Komodo, Rinca, Nusa Kode and Gili Motang.
In Bali Safari Park, we are taking care of them very well to conserve their population including breeding them. Recently, 16 babies Komodo dragon has been successfully bred. Are you curious to know more about this giant lizard?
Komodo dragon can grow to a maximum length of 3 metres (10 ft), and weighing up to approximately 70 kilograms. Because of its large body, Komodo dragons have a slow movement of about 8-10 kilometers per hour. However, in conditions of threat or fear, they can run up to a speed of 18 kilometers per hour. Wow!
The diet of Komodo dragons mainly consists of Javan rusa (Rusa timorensis), though they also eat considerable amounts of carrion. Komodo dragons also occasionally attack humans. Furthermore, this big lizard can live up to 30 years in the wild. But, more in conservation site like Bali Safari Park.
Scientist says 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.
Komodo dragons have a strong sense of smell. They can smell up to a distance of 5-11 kilometers. They rely more on the sense of smell than sight even though they have good eyesight.
When it smells, the Komodo dragon will stick out its tongue. At that time, they were catching chemical particles from the soil and air.
Komodo dragons were first recorded by Western scientists in 1910. Their large size and fearsome reputation make them popular zoo exhibits. In the wild, their range has contracted due to human activities, and is likely to contract further from the effects of climate change; due to this, they are listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. They are protected under Indonesian law, and Komodo National Park was founded in 1980 to aid protection efforts.