Clades:
Varanidae; Scleroglossa;
Squamata;
Reptilia;
Animals.
ZoologyVaranus komodoensis is the largest existing varanus lizard. It grows to a length of 3 metres and weight of 70-90 kilos. Therefore they are the heaviest, largest and the most powerful lizards on Earth.
Komodo dragons occur on Indonesiaʼs Lesser Sunda Islands. There is the harsh climate with temperatures that can reach over 38 ˚C/100 ˚F. The dragons regulate their temperatures by hiding in burrows.
The Komodo dragons have ferocious nature. They have a long body, well developed legs and sharp long claws, which are used for digging burrows, unearthing food and holding onto prey. They are unable to chew. They tear off chunks of prey by razor-sharp, serrated teeth. They have highly flexible jaws that allow them to swallow large pieces of flesh. Their tongue is deeply forked. They are also known for their copious drooling.
The Komodo has an enormous appetite and a huge capacity for food. They eat bones, hooves and swaths of hide. They eat also intestines, but only after swinging them vigorously to scatter their contents. Their food is from insects, while they are young, to mice, birds and small lizards. The adults are able to tackle wild pigs, water buffalo and deer. They do not reject carrion. Large Komodos often cannibalize young ones. They usually stay on trees or they defensively roll in fecal material, in order to a scent that the large dragons will avoid.
Komodoes are usually loners until it is time to mate. During the breeding season, males compete for the chance to mate. They stand in an upright position and wrestle each other to the ground. Their tail is a props. The one who gets pinned down loses. The winner then scratches his claws down the length of looserʼs body. The dragon flicks the female with his long tongue to obtain chemical information. Then he scratches her back with his claws, making a loud scraping noise. If unreceptive, she raises and inflates her neck an hisses loudly.
After mating the female dig nest, lying up to 25 eggs. Komodoes preferred termite nests for lying locatin, due to constant temperature and humidity. Baby dragons are often imprisoned or trapped inside until they dig out or their mother recalls the nest and frees them. Dragon eggs are rubbery and tough. They are elastic and expand as baby inside grows. Typically it takes 8-9 months for the dragon in egg to develop. Komodos are also able of parthenogenesis – a type of asexual reproduction, embryo develope without fertilization.
Varanus komodoensis has keen sense of smell, sight and hearing. It is also very intelligent. The dragons relies more on its sense of smell. Like snakes, it constantly flicking out his tongue to collect scent molecules from the air. The Komodos detects the scent of carrion from up to 8,5 km.
They are the most active during the day. Normally they move about sluggishly, slowly and strolling leisurely around in a clumsy, awkward manner. Despite their weight, they are also fast, agile and capable of running up to 20 kph, but their tire quickly. They are also good swimmers and can climb the trees.
The komodo is powerful and agile, hunts by ambush. It relies on camouflage and patiently lies in wait for passing prey. When a victim wanders by, the dragon springs onto its feet and charges with a quick sprinting burst. Then it brings the prey down by its powerful legs and sharp claws. The Komodo usually goes for the throat first. It clasps the prey with sharp, serrated teeth, rips the prey apart and eviscerates it. A kill is usually shared by many dragons. Therefore the adults are capable of bringing down and dismembering also deer or pig. If the animal escapes from the jaws of Komodo, his saliva is rich in toxic bacteria. He has even two venom glands in the lower jaw. In the secretion there are several toxic proteins that cause inhibition of blood clotting, lowering of blood pressure and muscle paralysis. Therefore the prey dies due to shock, loss of consciousness and blood poisoning. The dragons calmly follow an escapee using their keen sense of smell.
Difference with crocodiles.In crocodiles the main action is to pull down or bring down the prey under the water and kill it inside the water. Crocodiles are also highly territorial and show parental affection.