Interesting Facts about Komodo Dragons You Need to Know

Komodo dragons, giant lizards found only in Indonesia, have many interesting and unique facts that many may not know about. Here are some interesting facts about the Komodo dragon that you need to know:

1. Possesses Deadly Venom :

One of the most well-known facts about the Komodo dragon is that they possess deadly venom. Komodo dragon bites contain various types of bacteria that can cause severe infections in their prey.

2. Become Very Aggressive and Cannibalistic When Starving :

Adult Komodo dragons can become very aggressive and even cannibalistic when they are starving. They do not hesitate to kill and eat young dragons, including their own children.

3. Using Tongue to Search for Prey :

Komodo dragons find their prey by using their tongue which can sense the smell of prey, dead or dying animals at a distance of up to 9.5 kilometers.

4. Can Eat Large Prey :

Although Komodo dragons mostly eat carrion, they are also capable of devouring large live prey. A video shows a Komodo dragon swallowing a goat within 15–20 minutes.

5. Young Komodo Dragons Hiding from Adult Komodo Dragons :

Adult Komodo dragons often prey on young dragons, including their own young. Therefore, young dragons are always hiding from adult dragons, including from their parents, to protect themselves.

6. Rare Carnivorous Animals :

Komodo is included in the category of rare and protected animals. They are only found on a few islands in Indonesia, including the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami.

7. Ability to Run Fast :

Even though it looks slow, the Komodo dragon has the ability to run at speeds of up to 20 kilometers per hour. This speed helps them in pursuing prey or fleeing threats.

8. Stealth :

Komodo dragons use stealth as their primary strategy in hunting for live prey. They stalk their prey carefully before launching a surprise attack.

9. Only Found in Indonesia :

Komodo dragons are endemic to Indonesia and one of the pride of the country. The existence of Komodo dragons is important to be preserved as part of Indonesia’s biodiversity.

With its uniqueness and importance to be preserved as part of Indonesia’s biodiversity, the Komodo dragon is one of the most interesting animals to study and maintain.