The Komodo Dragon
by Jennifer Remeta“Anatomy of a True World Wonder”
The Komodo dragon doesn’t fly or breathe fire like the fairy tale dragons of the past. It does however, serve as and endless source of wonder for spectators and researchers alike. As the worlds’ largest species of lizard, and reaching sizes up to 10 feet in length and 550 pounds in weight, intimidation is primary trait of the massive Komodo dragon. Distribution of this species lies primarily throughout Indonesia, with concentrations found in Flores, Komodo (thus the name) and Rinca. Additional breeding programs have also been started in zoos throughout the world to help boost the currently endangered population.
Though originally thought to be dangerous to people, it has since been discovered that dead or dying meat makes up the largest chunk of the dragon’s diet. Even with an obvious size advantage, and with Komodo dragon distribution numbers climbing every day, very few human attacks have ever been recorded, and most of those took place when the dragon was inadvertently cornered.
Perhaps another reason for the very few attacks is the fact that there is no animal on earth quite as solitary as the Komodo dragon. Information has been discovered that shows the only time multiple dragons can be found in the same place are when they gather to consume a particularly large meal, or during mating season. Thus, an unsuspecting traveler will never accidentally happen upon a “group” of Komodo dragons. Their solitary nature also makes things difficult for breeding programs. Mating season runs from May to August, and usually involves a dominant male fighting off other males for the rights to mate with the female.
As a relatively new discovery overall, (knowledge that the Komodo dragon existed wasn’t worldwide until the 20th century), Komodo dragon information is still often hard to come by. As a direct result, the primary natural Komodo dragon habitat throughout Indonesia is now considered a protected area; one of the first of it’s kind in Asia. By protecting these areas, naturalists have an even greater opportunity to observe these animals in the wild and compile new information necessary to ensure the species survival. For instance, researchers have discovered that wild dragons are very quick, reaching speeds of up to 15 miles per hour on short sprints. They often attack large prey, but are usually unsuccessful in bringing them down. Instead, their amazingly developed sense of smell frequently leads them to creatures already dead or dying as a food source. The Komodo dragon anatomy includes a long flat head with numerous serrated teeth, and extremely strong legs and claws to help make the creature very efficient at devouring a meal. In fact, the lizard is actually capable of digesting up to 80% of it’s own body weight at one sitting. This ability can help sustain them for a few weeks at a time should they have difficulty in finding prey. These lizards are usually green, gray or black with varying patches of white or yellowish brown. Their massive tails can occasionally make up a full half of their body length and can be used as a defense weapon if necessary. The dominant male Komodo often utilizes hissing, puffing out their throat and thrashing their tail to defend his territory from lesser males. It is not unheard of for dominant males to kill submissive males over food or mating rights. A true life expectancy on a wild Komodo is unknown, though those in captivity have been known to live up to 25 years.
The ideal Komodo dragon habitat is hot and sunny, with alternating wet and dry seasons. The lizard prefers to bask in the early morning sun to bring up its body temperature before retreating to shady areas to escape the mid-day heat. At night they generally sleep in caves or burrows, or anything with close enough quarters to conserve body heat.
New discoveries are made every day that will hopefully aid us in protecting the Komodo dragon. Anatomy, preferred habitat, and breeding habits are being studied everyday in an effort to retain a solid population of these beautiful yet elusive creatures. Perhaps they are closer to the dragons of lore after all.
