What is the biggest lizard in the world? The Komodo Dragon, a member of the monitor lizard family, 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. These immense reptiles have no natural enemies, except humans. http://www.k12.hi.us/~kapunaha/student_projects/komodo/predators.htmThey are the largest land-dwelling reptiles in the world.http://www1.american.edu/ted/komodo.htm
When they bite, Komodo Dragons release a toxin in their saliva that kills their prey. For many years, scientists thought that it was the bacteria in the Komodo dragon's saliva that slowly killed its prey. They have subsequently discovered that the Komodo dragon's bite also contains venom, which works together with the bacteria in the saliva to kill the lizard's prey.
Komodo dragons also have excellent vision and can see up to 985 feet away.Smithsonian National Zoological Park: Komodo Dragon Fact Sheet
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.http://chattahbox.com/world/2009/03/24/komodo-dragons-kill-indonesian-man-human-attacks-on-the-rise/
Komodo Dragon - Predator or Prey?
Komodo dragons are at the top of the food chain on their Indonesian island, and have no natural predators. Sometimes the lizards are killed by humans, but sometimes humans are killed by the Komodo dragon. Komodo dragons will kill anything they can hunt, even occasionally one another. Komodo dragons are cannibals, or cannibalistic, by definition.
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 are fearsome predators. They 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
Visit Komodo Island
If you would like to see a Komoda dragon up close, you may do so by contacting Komodo National Park.http://www.dive-the-world.com/reefs-and-parks-indonesia-komodo-national-park.php Referred to as "eco-tourism," a new development enterprise known as Putri Naga Komodo (PNK) is in operation to introduce interested wildlife enthusiasts to the island of Komodo.
Komodo Dragon Kills with One Bite
On a remote island in Asia, Komodo dragons can kill prey many times their size. They lay in wait for animals as huge as a water buffalo. Rather than battling the prey, the dragon exudes saliva that contains deadly bacteria and venom. The Komodo dragon can kill with just one bite. Even though the dragon must sometimes wait for days until the creature dies, it is a very efficient way of hunting and subsequently eating every bit of the dead prey.
Even though it was previously thought that the bacteria in the saliva alone was responsible for the death of the prey, scientists now know that there is a highly toxic venom in the Komodo dragon's saliva as well.
Komodo Dragon Books and Related Merchandise
Amazon.com: Komodo Dragon Merchandise
Barnes&Noble.com: Komodo Dragon Books
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References
Fast Facts
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Biggest Lizard
World's largest breed of lizard
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Kingdom
Animalia
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Phylum
Chordata
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Class
Reptilia
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Order
Squamata
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Family
Varanidae
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Fact:
Endangered species protected by Indonesia
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Able to secrete venom in their saliva
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The largest Komodo dragon on record was 10.3 feet and 366 poundsSmithsonian National Zoological Park: Komodo Dragon Fact Sheet
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Fact:
Komodo dragons eat deer, boars, goats, buffalo and other large animalsSmithsonian National Zoological Park: Komodo Dragon Fact Sheet
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Life span
