The Komodo dragon, the largest and smarter ancient living lizard in the world

Imagine when you encounter a meat-eating beast, I mean a 2 or 3 meters long ( around 6 to 9 feet) lizard, over 100-130 kilogram in weight that will stare at you and waiting for the right moment to attack.

That would be a terrifying experience to have. Yes we are talking about the Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard that ever lived on earth, which still existed in this world since millions of years ago.

Historically, the Komodo dragon attacks on human were rarely found. Despite the fact you still need to be extremely cautious in case any of these beasts moving toward you, just keep away within a safe distance or better move as far as possible.

As a member of lizard family, the Komodo dragon or Varanus Komodensis, have series of teeth that similar to sharks. These sharp teeth carrying lethal venom that capable to kill anyone in a matter of hours or longest within a day.

How in the world this scary looking lizard carrying venom on their teeth? Simply because there are around 50 to 80 bacteria found inside the saliva. Looking by the number it will be really difficult for any wounds to heal.

The moment they enter flesh after get bitten; they will cause death because of the severe infection.

Due to long evolution this amazing creature have developed a defense mechanism, can stand against bacteria that are living inside their body.

The Komodo dragon is a smart creature, usually attack their prey in a group or at least there will be two of them stalking behind and wait for the right moment to launch the infamous and venomous deadly bite.

Often the prey manage to escape and run after get bitten but somehow the powerful venom will stop the blood to clot, leaving them bleed to death.

Even if the prey survive from the bleeding, they will still get the infection that is rarely healed, so one way or another, it is best to run away and avoid the biting.

• Another name of Komodo dragon is Komodo monitor, they can grow up to 3 meters in length or around 10 feet long, and be able to gain weight up to around 70 kilogram.
• However the heaviest komodo ever lived reached 3.13 meter, or 10.3 feet long, with 166 kg or about 366 pound of weight.
• Younger lizard has relatively smaller frame and of course the lesser weight, thus they can climb tree but heavier and older Komodo unable to climb because they are too heavy.
• The smaller and young komodo frequently climb trees, protecting themselves from the adult because these ferocious creatures are cannibal too!
• They are carnivores, and able to capture almost any type of animals like pigs, goats, deer, chicken, sheep, cow, large buffalo and human. Once captured they will devour the victims like there is no tomorrow.
• These “dragons” need to regulate their body temperature on regular basis. They usually warm up their body by sun-bathing. If body temperature get too low, food will not be digested properly and will rotting, lead them to experience regurgitation or sometimes death.
• The Komodo dragon also can swim in fact they are good swimmers, this is the main reason how they migrated from one island to another or simply hunt for fishes.
• These giant lizards can live up to 30 years of age, some scientist believe Komodo dragon can live as long as 50 years old.
• They can run up to 20 kilometer per hour, while they normally run from 8 to 10 kilometer per hour within a short distance. The male dragons have a distinct scale pattern on their tail, and they are bigger in size in comparison to the females.
• Each of these dragon is prefer to be alone, in other words they are solitary creatures. The males have their own territory to defend. They keep themselves from another except when breeding season commencing or when they should share a prey when necessary.

Where can you find this beast in the wild?

The Komodo islands, in Indonesia, these islands are Padar, Gili Motang, Rinca, and Flores.

In the past they lived across Australia and Indonesia, oldest fossil similar to komodo found in Australia and estimated to come from 3.8 millions of years ago.

I was surprised for the first time to learn the existence of this amazing animal was known about 100 years ago.

Despite the fact that Komodo dragon population considered to be stable, there are only around 5000 of them alive today. Just like any other endangered animal species, the problem with this Komodo is the same.

Human is always the main threats, as they will always try to hunt these creatures for their skins, or sell to exotic animal collectors who are willing to pay with ridiculously huge amount of money.

Another problem with human is their very existence, when a new settlement is developed, it forces the komodo dragon to find a new habitat to live or they will get killed.

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List of activities you can do while visiting this exotic paradise to witness real Komodo dragon in action.

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