Komodo Dragon with tongue sticking out.

Komodo Dragon

Komodo Dragon

Check out Australia Zoo’s Komodo Dragon!

Introducing the world’s largest species of lizard, right here at Australia Zoo – the incredible Komodo dragon! This venomous reptile can be seen soaking up the sun’s rays and just being drop-dead gorgeous!

 

Komodo Dragon standing looking to the right.

 

These powerful predators are found throughout a small group of Indonesian Islands, including Rinca, Flores and Komodo Island. They can be identified by their long tails and strong, agile limbs.

 

Komodo Dragon walking across their exhibit.

 

Their tongues are yellow and forked and, just like snakes, they use this to ‘smell’ the air to detect their next meal, which may include monkey, goat, deer, reptiles (including each other) and ground nesting birds (megapodes). A Komodo dragon will produce a lethal bite, although it can take up to four days for their prey to die! They have strong jaw muscles and serrated teeth in order to efficiently tear and eat large chunks of meat.

 

Komodo Dragon standing in front of camera.

 

Komodo dragons are predominately solitary animals outside of mating season. Females will develop a series of decoy nests to eliminate risk of predation! She will lay up to 20 eggs, which is called a clutch.

 

Komodo dragons have thrived in the harsh climate of the Indonesian Islands for millions of years. Fossils, from 50,000 years ago, show they used to live in Australia once upon a time! Due to the increasing threats of habitat destruction, poaching and natural disasters, these dragons are considered a vulnerable species.

 

  • Class of animal icon
    Class

    Reptilia

  • Genus of animal icon
    Genus

    Varanus

  • Species of animal icon
    Species

    komodoensis

  • height of animal icon
    Length

    Up to 3 metres

  • weight of animal icon
    Weight

    Up to 100 kilograms

  • diet of animal icon
    Diet

    Carnivore

  • gestation of animal icon
    Incubation

    8 - 9 months

  • threatened species status of animal icon
    Status

    Endangered