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• The Komodo Dragon is the largest lizard species in the world and can only be found on the island of Komodo in Indonesia.Smithsonian National Zoological Park: Komodo Dragon Fact Sheet Komodo dragons can measure up to 10 feet in length. When they bite, the release a toxic poison that kills their prey. Komodo dragons also have excellent vision and cans see up to 985 feet away.Smithsonian National Zoological Park: Komodo Dragon Fact SheetCNN: Komodo Dragons Kill Indonesian Fisherman (March 24, 2009)

  In March 2009, an Indonesian fisherman was killed after being mauled by Komodo dragons. The man was reportedly trespassing on the island, looking for fruit.CNN: Komodo Dragons Kill Indonesian Fisherman (March 24, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. World's largest breed of lizardSmithsonian National Zoological Park: Komodo Dragon Fact Sheet
  2. Kingdom: Animalia
  3. Phylum: Chordata
  4. Class: Reptilia
  5. Order: Squamata
  6. Family: Varanidae
  7. Endangered species protected by Indonesia
  8. Able to secrete venom in their saliva
  9. Can grow up to 10 feet longCNN: Komodo Dragons Kill Indonesian Fisherman (March 24, 2009)
  10. The largest Komodo dragon on record was 10.3 feet and 366 poundsSmithsonian National Zoological Park: Komodo Dragon Fact Sheet
  11. Komodo dragons eat deer, boars, goats, buffalo and other large animalsSmithsonian National Zoological Park: Komodo Dragon Fact Sheet
  12. Can see objects 985 feet awaySmithsonian National Zoological Park: Komodo Dragon Fact Sheet
  13. Detect food using scentSmithsonian National Zoological Park: Komodo Dragon Fact Sheet
  14. Has a forked toungeSmithsonian National Zoological Park: Komodo Dragon Fact Sheet
  15. Life span: About 30 yearsSmithsonian National Zoological Park: Komodo Dragon Fact Sheet

• Predators

  Komodo Dragons were only discovered by humans within the last 100 years but they have lived on Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands for millions of years. The carnivorous lizards patiently wait, using their camouflaged and scaly skin to blend into their surroundings. They detect prey with scent and when the moment is right, they strike, releasing a venom that has over 50 strains of deadly bacteria.National Geographic: Komodo Dragon

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Zoology | Endangered Species | Herpetoculture | Pythons | Cobras | Poisonous Frogs | Crocodiles | Snakes | Dinosaurs | Jurassic Park | Pet Gecko

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