Komodo Dragon

Last crawled date: 1 year, 10 months ago

The Komodo dragon is the world's largest lizard species. It is found mainly on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rintja, Padar, and Flores. There are only an estimated 1,000 to 5,000 of these monitor lizards living today. Reaching lengths of up to 3 m or more, and weighing up to 126 kg, these reptiles are swift runners and climbers with great appetites for deer and wild boar. Although often regarded as pests, they are not a serious menace to humans. In order to protect the dragon, the Indonesian government has made the islands of Padar and Rintja into nature reserves for both the lizard and its prey. It is diurnal, most active during the day. The Komodo Dragon is a fast runner; it can run up to 11 mph (18 kph). It is also a good tree climber and swimmer. The Komodo Dragon's scientific name is Varanus komodoensis (genus and species). It is in danger of extinction due to loss of habitat. Its life span is about 20 years. They live in hot, humid, grassy lowlands and in rainforests. They sun themselves to increase their body temperature. The female digs a hole in the ground, lays 20-40 eggs, and then covers them up with dirt. The eggs hatch in about 7 months. Hatchlings eat mostly insects and live in trees. #Animal #Arqdirk #Flores #Indonesia #Komodo #Lizard #Padar #Reptile #Rintja #Tropical_rain_forest