What is a Komodo dragon?

Komodo dragon is the world's largest lizard species living in Asia. Today, it lives only on some islands of Indonesia. These islands are Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang and Padar islands
The Komodo dragon takes its name from Komodo, one of the islands where it lives. Komodo dragon is one of the most predatory animals in the world. It can reach up to 3 meters tall. Male Komodo dragons can weigh up to 90 kilograms and female Komodo dragons can weigh up to 70 kilograms. According to research, it has been determined that the Komodo dragon lived in Australia about 4 million years ago. It is thought that as the continents separated, the Komodo dragon came to present-day Indonesian territory with moving islands and pieces of land

An adult komodo dragon usually feeds on carrion, but it is not uncommon for them to feed on prey of various sizes, including goats, pigs, deer, buffalo, and smaller komodo dragons. Komodo dragons ambush larger prey and then bite it. After the bite, they follow the injured animal until it succumbs to blood loss or infection. Komodo dragons' saliva is rich in bacteria that quickly cause infection in their prey. The young feed on grasshoppers, insects, small lizards, eggs, birds, and eventually small mammals. Komodo dragons can swallow large pieces by expanding their throat and flexible skull while feeding.

Unique Characteristics

Their saliva contains large amounts of bacteria, which can poison their victims, leading to their demise within 24 hours .
Komodo dragons have been observed to eat up to 80% of their body weight in a single feeding .
Female Komodo dragons guard their nests of up to 30 eggs until they hatch, showcasing their maternal instincts and protective behavior


Komodo dragons have been observed eating baby dragons during periods of famine or under normal conditions. Baby komodo dragons can therefore live in trees until they reach a certain height. In adulthood, they turn into completely terrestrial animals.