Showing posts with label Varanus komodoensis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Varanus komodoensis. Show all posts

Friday, January 20, 2012

Komodo Dragon


Komodo dragon, Varanus komodoensis. These large lizards are reputedly one of the last living representatives of large varanid lizards that once lived across Australia and Indonesia. In nature, they opportunistically prey upon/ambush goats, deer and even water buffalo while relying on a diet of mostly carrion. Their bite contains fairly toxic bacteria that will may eventually result in the death of their prey, even where the bite itself may have been relatively minor.

Thursday, September 02, 2010

Komodo Dragon


Komodo Dragon, Varanus komodoensis. These guys are native to the Sunda Island Chain in Indonesia and grow to 10 feet long and 350 lbs. Females lay about twenty eggs at a time, the eggs hatching in April, when insects are most plentiful. Young Komodo dragons dwell in trees, safe from predators and adult komodos. They may live as long as fifty years.

They are monitor lizards (think Gila Monster) and will eat almost anything they can catch from insects to goats to water buffalo. Their bites contain lots of nasty bacteria; the resultant infections can be fatal, thus providing a time delayed meal for these hungry little beasties.