Varanus komodoensis
Fast Facts
- Komodo dragons are the largest living species of lizard with the largest individual measuring 10 feet and weighing over 300 pounds.
- Young Komodos spend most of their time in trees as they are still vulnerable to predators. They typically start spending all their time on the ground when they are about 4 years old.
- They can smell food 2-6 miles away!
- They can digest and swallow skin, hair, bones, horns, and hooves of their prey.
- Komodo dragons were only recently discovered to be venomous.
- Though they cannot run fast for long, they have been known to reach speeds of 13 miles per hour.
Habitat
Grasslands, open savannah forests, beaches, and mountain forests
Size
7-9 feet in length and 120-200 pounds
Nutrition
Carrion, insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals