Komodo Dragon, an ancient animal, has long been the subject of folklore and myths. However, despite the many stories that have been told about them, not many individuals are aware of the factual information about these creatures.
This species is fascinating. Behind its interesting name, there are big facts you may have never heard before.
Find Out Amazing Komodo Dragon Facts
Here are some of the most amazing Komodo Dragon truths:
1. Komodo Are Venomous
There is a common misconception circulating among the general public that the Komodo Dragon has deadly toxins in its saliva. But a study told that they excrete venoms in the mouth to the prey’s wounds.
In 2009, a team led by Bryan Fry conducted research that demonstrated that the Komodo Dragon possesses venom glands containing toxins and uses this venom to incapacitate their prey to death.
The victims may escape. However, the venom will paralyze and kill them slowly. This is one of the most painful ways to kill the preys.
2. Komodo Hunt with the Tongues
Komodo can clearly taste the surrounding air. Besides that, they can differentiate particles animals leave.
It is important to note that while Komodo Dragons have poor olfactory and eyesight senses, their tongues are highly sensitive and capable of tracking their prey from as far as 9 kilometers away.
3. Komodo Are Cannibals
In addition to being cannibalistic, Komodo may also at their offspring. That’s why the babies of Komodo usually climb trees. It is their instincts to protect themselves from adult Komodo.
Even more, they are able to stay in the tree until 4 years. When returning to ground, Komodo Dragon lifespan can reach 30 years.
4. Young Komodo Hide the Smell
To escape adult Komodo, young Komodo often cover their own body in the dead animal intestines and feces.
In fact, Komodo rely on their smell & taste senses. So, this can be a very effective method to keep away from cannibalistic Komodo.
5. Komodo Rob Graves
One of the most surprising Komodo Dragon facts is that they dig up graves. Then, they eat the carcasses.
Because of that, local people cover their beloved ones’ graves with stones or rocks. This is the best way to protect the graves so that Komodo will not rob graves.
6. Komodo May Give Births in a Virgin Condition
As a parthenogenetic animal, female Komodo can conceive even without the male Komodo’s sperm. In fact, one egg cell is able to fertilize another egg cell.
Commonly, it happens with those that live in captivity. What makes it interesting is that Komodo can sexually reproduce, too. So, the reproduction depends on their environment’s condition.
7. Komodo Swallow a Goat
Komodo have a big appetite for meats. They are totally carnivorous. Even more, they are able to eat meats up to 80 percent of their own bodyweight.
Komodo can swallow the whole goats just in one meal. However, their metabolism is slow enough.
Because of that, Komodo can survive on 12x meals in a year. Even so, they always try to hut preys if possible.
8. Komodo Own Gigantism of Island
Now, Komodo are the biggest lizards in the world. The biggest Komodo was more than 3 meters and 366-lb weight.
But the Komodo Dragon facts find that female Komodo are averagely 6 feet whereas male Komodo are 8-9 feet.
Their big size makes them the peak predator in their island. And, they also don’t have competitors as the predators.
9. Komodo Are Reliable Swimmers
They cannot only climb & run quickly. However, Komodo are also able to swim well.
When looking for partners or foods, Komodo can swim easily around the East Nusa Tenggara islands such as Padar, Flores, and Komodo Island.
10. Komodo Belong to Ancient Animals
For your information, Komodo have been existing a long time ago.
Although they are just found in 1910 in Europeans, Komodo belong to a legacy of the biggest lizards existed for 900 thousand years in Flores.
Then, how many Komodo Dragons are left? It is not sure but we have to participate in keeping Komodo Dragons.
11. Komodo Are Playful
Many Komodo Dragons show the playfulness signs with different objects and even with their caretakers.
However, it doesn’t happen to all Komodo because they may have different characters and behaviors.
Visiting Komodo Island
If you want to directly see Komodo, you can plan to visit Komodo National Park, to be precised is Komodo Island.
Komodo trek is the main point. You can only see Komodo in the National Park of Komodo. For your information, Komodo only live in Komodo and Rinca Islands.
There are many interesting and fun activities to do there and around.
Another destination near Komodo Island is to visit Padar Island. This is a small island with a landscape that looks like Jurassic Park. Because of the scenic view, it belongs to the most beautiful views you can find in the Southeast Asia.
Another cool thing to check out while you’re at Komodo Island is Pink Beach in Labuan Bajo. It’s super unique and pretty, so you definitely don’t want to miss visiting them.
Those are some facts about Komodo Dragons that you should know. It’s important to help protect this endangered species.
They may look fierce, but they’re actually used to living near humans. As long as you’re with a Komodo Ranger, a local expert guide in Komodo Island, you’ll be safe.
