Komodo Dragon (Varanus
Monitor lizard
The monitor lizards are large lizards in the genus Varanus. They are native to Africa, Asia, and Oceania, but are now found also in the Americas as an invasive species. Currently, 79 species are recognized.
Which country has the biggest population of Komodo dragons?
Komodo (Indonesian: Pulau Komodo) is one of the 17,508 islands that comprise the Republic of Indonesia.The island is particularly notable as the habitat of the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on Earth, which is named after the island.Komodo Island has a surface area of 390 square kilometres and a human population of over two thousand.
Do Komodo dragons only live on the island of Komodo?
The Komodo dragon only exists on five islands in Southeast Indonesia: Komodo, Rinca, Gili Montang, Gili Dasami, and Flores, which is in the Komodo National Park. There are volcanoes, mountains and forests, as well as grasslands on the islands.
How does a Komodo dragon kill you?
Komodo dragons kill using a one-two punch of sharp teeth and a venomous bite, scientists have confirmed for the first time. Also asked, how long does it take for a Komodo dragon bite to kill you?
Is the Komodo dragon a real dragon or dinosaur?
Is the Komodo Dragon a Dinosaur. No. Komodo dragons are not dinosaurs, they are lizards. In fact, birds are closer to dinosaurs than lizards. It is often said that Komodo dragons have toxic saliva or a “poisonous bite” “but their prey usually dies from being torn apart”.
How many Komodo dragons are left in the world?
They have poisonous saliva and can be dangerous — but the World Animal Foundation estimates there are only about 6,000 left in the wild, all concentrated in Indonesia's Komodo National Park. But it will still be possible to see the animal come 2020.
Are Komodo dragons endangered 2021?
The Indonesian endemic world's largest lizard komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) recently entered the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list of "Endangered" species, marking it as having high risk of extinction.
Are Komodo dragons endangered 2022?
Conservation Status: Komodo dragons are listed as Endangered by the IUCN's Red List. There are estimated to be nearly 1,400 adults in the wild and their populations are considered stable.
Does Komodo dragons still exist?
Komodo dragons are limited to a few Indonesian islands of the Lesser Sunda group, including Rintja, Padar and Flores, and of course the island of Komodo, the largest at 22 miles (35 kilometers) long. They have not been seen on the island of Padar since the 1970s.
How many Komodo dragons left 2022?
There are only 3,000 dragons left and this endangered animal is protected by Indonesian law. The best place to observe the lizards is the Komodo National Park in Lesser Sunda Islands. It is recommended to go on a guided tour with local rangers.
Will Komodo dragons go extinct?
Komodo dragon is now listed as Endangered as rising sea levels threaten its survival. The world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon, could disappear in the next century as rising sea levels threaten to submerge its habitat.
Is the Komodo dragon a dinosaur?
The Komodo Dragon, tough considered by many intellectual groups to carry the same traits, characteristics and DNA strand that would otherwise link its ancestors to the Prehistoric Period, is by default only a very large reptile and not a dinosaur.
Can you own a Komodo dragon?
Since Komodo Dragons are an endangered species, it's currently illegal to own one. However, even if it was legal to own a Komodo Dragon, there are plenty of reasons that you should be wary of doing so.
Is Godzilla endangered?
This raises an interesting — and silly — question: Could Godzilla be protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA)? The answer is no — but probably not for the reasons you think. Is Godzilla Endangered?
Is Komodo dragon edible?
3:0315:09The Komodo Dragon Eating Everything In Sight - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd will probably end with the big komodo eating the small komodo adult komodo dragons are subjectMoreAnd will probably end with the big komodo eating the small komodo adult komodo dragons are subject to cannibalism which accounts for 10 percent of their diet by eating their species.
Can Komodo dragons fly?
These dragons, however, cannot fly, and don't breathe fire. These dragons are called komodo dragons. Komodo dragons live on a few small islands in Indonesia, which is in Asia. Komodo dragons are huge reptiles that can grow to ten feet long and weigh 350 pounds.
How much is it to buy a Komodo dragon?
Again, it is illegal to own a Komodo dragon as a pet. That being said, this hasn't stopped black-market wildlife traffickers from selling them in the United States. An investigation by David Hanckock from CBS News found that traffickers were offering Komodo Dragons for the steep price of $30,000.
Are Komodo dragons on the endangered list?
Known for its ferocity and venomous bite, the world's largest lizard is threatened by climate change and human activities.
How many lizards are left in the world 2021?
Species Numbers (as of March 2022)Feb 2008May 2021Amphisbaenia (amphisbaenians)168202Sauria (lizards)5,0797,059Serpentes (snakes)3,1493,921Testudines (turtles)3133613 more rows
Why is Komodo dragon in danger?
The komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard, is threatened with extinction as rising water levels driven by the climate crisis shrink its habitat, according to the latest “red list” update.
Are Komodo dragons rare?
Komodos are very rare and are found in the wild only on five islands: the Lesser Sunda Islands of Komodo, Rinca, Gili Montang and Gili Dasami — all within Komodo National Park — and the island of Flores, where the Komodo roams freely.
Where can I find Komodo dragons?
The Komodo dragon is a rare species inhabiting only the volcanic islands of Indonesia including the island of Komodo. Other islands where the Komodo dragons are found include Gili Dasami, Gili Montang, and Rinca, which are all within the Komodo National Park. They are also found roaming freely in the Island of Flores.
Where does the Komodo dragon get its name?
The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) gets its name from the Komodo Islands in Indonesia where they dwell. They are also found in the neighboring islands of Flores and Rinca. It rightfully takes its place as the King of the Lizards largely because of its sheer size, which makes it the largest lizard in the world.
How many people live on Komodo Island?
Out of the whole population, 1,700 are found on Komodo Island, 1,300 are found on Rinca Island, 100 are found on the Gili Motang Island, and 2,000 are found on Flores Island.
Where are Komodos found?
These include skins and wood from their habitat. In 1992, the first Komodos were hatched outside Indonesia, in the Smithsonian Zoo. According to the zoo, four clutches have been hatched so far, and about 55 of the offspring are found in more than 30 zoos around the world, Benjamin Elisha Sawe October 12 2018 in Environment.
When did the Komodo dragon disappear?
The scientists also think that the Komodo dragon disappeared in Australia in about 50,000 years ago. The disappearance of the Komodo dragon in Australia coincided with the arrival of humans in the continent.
How fast can a Komodo dragon run?
Komodo dragons stay active mostly throughout the day but have shown nocturnal behavior in some cases. Their short, stocky legs can sprint at a speed of 12.42 mph and climbing trees for the case of younger komodos utilizing their sharp claws. These claws morph into weapons as the lizard matures since it becomes too heavy to climb. Hunting is done primarily in the afternoons but during the hottest periods of the day the dragon retreats into sheds which can be identified with droppings; this is also ambush ground for deer.
How much money did Komodo National Park make in 2018?
The Komodo National Park recorded revenue amounting to Rp32 billion from tourist visits to the park during 2018, an increase from Rp29 billion in the previous year.
What is the only surviving giant lizard?
The Komodo National Park, comprising the three larger islands of Komodo, Padar, and Rinca, as well as 26 smaller ones, was founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon ( Veranus komodoensis ), the world`s only surviving giant lizard.
Is Komodo National Park a biosphere reserve?
In 1977, Komodo National Park was named a biosphere reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and in 1991, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2012, it was listed as the New7Wonders of Nature sites.
Is the Komodo dragon endangered?
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Komodo dragon is listed on the CITES Appendix I, indicating that the animal is vulnerable to extinction.
What is the largest lizard in the world?
Komodo dragons often find their prey in the process of dying or shortly after death. The Komodo dragon ( Varanus komodoensis) is the world's largest lizard. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty, Editor.
How big do Komodo dragons get?
Komodo dragon ( Varanus komodoensis) Komodo dragons ( Varanus komodoensis) grow to 3 metres (10 feet) in total length and reach a weight of about 135 kg (about 300 pounds). ...
What is the suborder of lizards?
lizard, (suborder Sauria), any of more than 5,500 species of reptiles belonging in the order Squamata (which also includes snakes, suborder Serpentes). Lizards are scaly-skinned reptiles that are usually distinguished from snakes by the possession of legs, movable eyelids, and external ear openings. However, some traditional (that is, non-snake) lizards…
What is the largest monitor lizard?
monitor. …large monitor species include the Komodo dragon ( V. komodoensis) of Indonesia, the largest of all lizards, which grows to a length of 3 metres (10 feet); the two-banded, or water, monitor ( V. salvator) of Southeast Asia, which grows to 2.7 metres (9 feet); the perentie ( V. giganteus) of central Australia,…. lizard.
Why do Komodo dragons go into shock?
It is thought that their victims go into shock from rapid blood loss. Some herpetologists note that the physical trauma of the bite and the introduction of bacteria from the Komodo dragon’s mouth to the wound also play roles in slowing and killing prey.
How big is a lizard?
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. See all videos for this article. The lizard grows to 3 metres (10 feet) in total length and attains a weight of about 135 kg (about 300 pounds).
What is an encyclopedia editor?
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. ...
Where did the Komodo dragon originate?
Here are a few interesting facts to shed some light into the strange world of Komodo dragons. 1. Komodo Dragons Are Originally from Australia. While famous for being from the Indonesian island of Komodo and surrounding islands, the Komodo dragon started off in the Land Down Under.
How big is a Komodo dragon?
Komodo dragons are massive animals. Measuring as much as 8.5 feet (2.5 meters) long and weighing as much as 200 pounds (90 kilograms), it's no surprise they can take down animals as large as wild boar, deer, and water buffalo. To catch their prey, they use an ambush strategy.
What happens after eating a Komodo dragon?
The huge feast and slow digestion mean that after eating, Komodo dragons will go lounge in the sun, with the heat helping to keep their digestion process working away. After the meal is digested, a Komodo dragon will regurgitate what is known as a gastric pellet. Similar to owl pellets, the gastric pellet contains horns, hair, teeth, and other bits of prey that can't be digested.
How many meals can a Komodo dragon eat?
Because their metabolism is fairly slow and they can pound down so much in a single sitting, Komodo dragons can survive on as little as one meal a month.
What is the most unnerving scene in Komodo?
Watching a Komodo dragon coming your way might be one of the world's most unnerving scenes. Kiwisoul/Shutterstock
How far away can Komodo detect a carcass?
They can detect a carcass as far as six miles away. Unfortunately for humans living among the dragons, that can mean they feast on the recently buried. This has caused people living on Komodo to switch from graves on sandy ground to clay ground, and add a pile of rocks on top of the grave for good measure. 8.
Why is a Komodo dragon's bite so dangerous?
For a long time, it was believed that a Komodo dragon's bite was so dangerous because of the massive amount of bacteria thriving in its mouth. As a scavenger beast, its bite must be filled with the deadly microorganisms of rotting flesh and would infect and kill any victim. The truth, however, was discovered by Bryan Fry, ...
Where are Komodo dragons found?
The komodo dragon has the smallest range of any of the world's large carnivores, found only on the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang, and Flores. It is also the primary predator of these islands and therefore serves a vital role in nature.
Why do komodos climb trees?
After hatching, the young immediately climb trees to avoid being eaten by their cannibalistic elders. Komodos are opportunistic carnivores whose saliva contains several strains of virulent bacteria which in turn causes severe infection that can lead to blood poisoning and death in 1-5 days.
How much do dragons eat?
Larger dragons eat first, while smaller dragons get what's left over. They have been known to eat up to 80% of their body weight in one meal.
How long can a dragon go without eating?
Fat stored in their tail can provide dragons with metabolic water in times of drought, enabling them to go for 1 to 1½ months without eating or drinking. These members of the lizard family Varanus, have a forked tongue that collects scent molecules for analysis.
What is a multi-hued lizard?
Terrestrial multi-hued lizard with dark yellow, green, brown, and gray scales in years 1-5; adults generally are earthen red to gray and nearly black in various species; have short, powerful limbs and tail; sharp claws.
Do Komodos dig up human remains?
Komodos have been known to dig up freshly buried humans and eat the remains. Their sense of smell is so keen they can detect the scent of carrion 5 miles away! They have also been known to hunt in large packs and bring down large prey.
Where do Komodo dragons live?
3) They live on their own island! Komodo dragons are only present on five Indonesian islands, and in no other country in the world. Four of these islands make up what is known as Komodo National Park, and the fifth island is that of Flores.
How big are Komodo dragons?
1) Komodo dragons are not dragons. Komodo dragons are in fact, lizards, and they are by far the largest lizards on Earth. These lizards can grow up to ten feet long (three meters), approximately the length of a small car. They’re heavy, too - they can weigh up to 154 pounds on average, but have been weighed up to 135 kilograms, ...
What is the Komodo Dragon Conservation Program?
In addition, volunteers will help to educate visitors to Komodo National Park about the species, its population status, and of course, deter poachers.
What is a Komodo dragon?
Komodo dragons are a mysterious, fascinating wildlife species. Their name itself draws a large amount of attention, but there is much more to these animals than just the name. Check out these 10 amazing facts about komodo dragons: 1) Komodo dragons are not dragons. Komodo dragons are in fact, lizards, and they are by far ...
How much does a Komodo dragon weigh?
They’re heavy, too - they can weigh up to 154 pounds on average, but have been weighed up to 135 kilograms, which is approximately the same weight as a panda bear! Komodo dragons are known for their notorious, venomous hunting strikes.
How far can a Komodo dragon detect rotting prey?
As with most reptiles, the komodo dragons use their forked tongues instead of noses to smell. They can detect a rotting prey from 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) away. Their sense of hearing and sight, however, are less than impressive. 6) Their tails are as long as their bodies.
How long ago were komodo dragons discovered?
Numerous fossils were unearthed by a team of international scientists in eastern Australia, dating back from 300,000 years ago to roughly 4 million years ago, that are identical to current-day komodo dragons. As with most reptiles, the komodo dragons use their forked tongues instead of noses to smell.
Why is the new label for the giant lizard important?
The new label is intended to spur international policymakers and conservation groups to strengthen and expand protections for the giant lizard in its natural habitats. That may be especially necessary among a population of the dragons that live in areas that are not protected and that are more vulnerable to activities such as illegal hunting and habitat clearance.
What is the only hope for Komodo dragons?
At that point, the only hope for Komodo dragons would be a precarious one: a captive breeding program and attempted transplants to limited and fragmented wild habitats. But experts say it hasn’t come to that — yet.
Where do Komodo dragons live?
Komodo dragons are native to Indonesia and found in the country’s Komodo National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site that includes the namesake island and a number of other islands. A more poorly understood population of the species also lives on Flores, a larger, neighboring island.
Is the Komodo dragon a reptilian?
The Komodo dragon has earned its status as a reptilian icon.
Is Komodo dragon endangered?
Komodo dragons, previously considered a “vulnerable” species, were reclassified last weekend as “endangered” by the conservation organization.
Is a reptile vulnerable to the same threats?
Other reptilian species — many of which are also isolated on islands — are vulnerable to the same threats. “It’s a flagship for the state of reptiles worldwide,” Dr. Terry said.
How vulnerable are Komodo dragons?
The remaining 85% of habitats are located in un-protected areas, consequently, these komodo dragon are vulnerable to threats from human activities. First factor is the overhunting of deer, slash-and-burn agricultural method, and high competition with feral dogs which were introduced by human, whose settlements are present side by side with Komodo's habitat. These factors lead a decrease and cornered Komodo population, and impact on livestock depredation and conflict with human is unavoidable.
What are the threats to the Komodo dragon?
The Komodo National Park has established for 40 years, protecting the dragons from several threats, specifically on threats caused by human activity (anthropogenic). However, the population in the small islands are also important such as Nusa Kode and Gili Motang island. Their small size of population, less prey (deer) and higher inbreeding factors lead them to be on the brink. We have to learn from Padar Island case, where once deer were overhunted and followed by the extinction of its Komodo's population. Fortunately, after 30 years, with a better protection from KNP authority has made deer population on Padar fully recovered and Komodo dragon started to naturally recolonized Padar Island again in 2013. Komodo dragon population on Padar Island is now slowly recovered.
Is Komodo endangered?
Based on updated information of Komodo population, the conservation status of Komodo in IUCN redlist book version 2013.2 is vulnerable to extinction. Since 1990s, Indonesian authorities has established a protection status for the dragon through National Decree (UU) no. 5 tahun 1990 and Peraturan Pemerintah no 7 tahun 1999. In the international wildlife trade, Komodo is listed to Appendix I CITES, which means the commercial trading of live speciments or any parts, dead or alive of Komodo is prohibited.
Is Komodo in the edge of extinction?
Conservation Status. Most people say that Komodo is in the edge of extinction. For some reasons, that opinion could be true. But in fact, it does not applied in the global condition where the dragons are distributed in islands with different conditions.
Is Komodo a national animal?
Komodo is also a National pride and National animal of Indonesia, through the Decree Keppres no 4 tahun 1992. It makes Komodo as a flagship species and gives a positive impact on Komodo international trading that requires permit from the President of Indonesia.
Origin of The Komodo
Habitat and Distribution
- The Komodo dragon is a rare species inhabiting only the volcanic islands of Indonesia including the island of Komodo. Other islands where the Komodo dragons are found include Gili Dasami, Gili Montang, and Rinca, which are all within the Komodo National Park. They are also found roaming freely in the Island of Flores. They live in differentiated climates within these areas, whi…
Behavior
- Komodo dragons stay active mostly throughout the day but have shown nocturnal behaviorin some cases. Their short, stocky legs can sprint at a speed of 12.42 mph and climbing trees for the case of younger komodos utilizing their sharp claws. These claws morph into weapons as the lizard matures since it becomes too heavy to climb. Hunting is done primarily in the afternoons …
Population and The Threat of Extinction
- Currently, there are only about 6,000 of these predators left in the wild, and 350 breeding females in this cohort. This is a fraction of their initial population. Out of the whole population, 1,700 are found on Komodo Island, 1,300 are found on Rinca Island, 100 are found on the Gili Motang Island, and 2,000 are found on Flores Island. Despite bei...
Conservation Measures
- The main threat to the Komodo dragon as a vulnerable species stems mostly from human activities, which include poaching and degradation of their habitat. In this view, measures to protect them have entailed keeping them in protected areas as well as discouraging tourists and locals alike from purchasing merchandise that comes directly or indirectly from the Komodo dra…