Komodo dragons have lived in the earth for millions of years, although amazingly, their existence was unknown to humans until about 100 years ago.
Komodo dragons are the heaviest lizards on Earth.Reaching 10 feet (3 meters) in length and more than 300 pounds (136 kilograms). They have long, flat heads with rounded snouts, scaly skin, bowed legs, and huge, muscular tails.
As the dominant predators on the handful of islands they inhabit, they will eat almost anything, including carrion, deer, pigs, smaller dragons, and even large water buffalo and humans. When hunting, Komodo dragons rely on camouflage and patience, lying in wait for passing prey. When a victim ambles by, the dragon springs, using its powerful legs, sharp claws and, shark-like teeth to gut its prey.
Animals that escape the jaws of a Komodo will only feel lucky briefly. Dragon saliva is stuffed with over 50 strains of bacteria, and in less than 24 hours, the wounded creature usually dies of blood poisoning. Dragons calmly follow an their pry for miles as the bacteria takes effect, using their keen sense of smell to work on the corpse (they eat it ALL -no bones left-). A dragon can eat 80 percent of its body weight in a single feeding (That's big!!!!!).
There is a stable population of about 3,000 to 5,000 Komodo dragons on the islands of Komodo, Gila Motang, Rinca, and Flores. But, a lack of egg-laying females, plus the poaching of humans, and natural disasters has driven the species to endangered status. (http://www.honoluluzoo.org/komodo_dragon.htm)
Komodo dragons are the heaviest lizards on Earth.Reaching 10 feet (3 meters) in length and more than 300 pounds (136 kilograms). They have long, flat heads with rounded snouts, scaly skin, bowed legs, and huge, muscular tails.
As the dominant predators on the handful of islands they inhabit, they will eat almost anything, including carrion, deer, pigs, smaller dragons, and even large water buffalo and humans. When hunting, Komodo dragons rely on camouflage and patience, lying in wait for passing prey. When a victim ambles by, the dragon springs, using its powerful legs, sharp claws and, shark-like teeth to gut its prey.
Animals that escape the jaws of a Komodo will only feel lucky briefly. Dragon saliva is stuffed with over 50 strains of bacteria, and in less than 24 hours, the wounded creature usually dies of blood poisoning. Dragons calmly follow an their pry for miles as the bacteria takes effect, using their keen sense of smell to work on the corpse (they eat it ALL -no bones left-). A dragon can eat 80 percent of its body weight in a single feeding (That's big!!!!!).
There is a stable population of about 3,000 to 5,000 Komodo dragons on the islands of Komodo, Gila Motang, Rinca, and Flores. But, a lack of egg-laying females, plus the poaching of humans, and natural disasters has driven the species to endangered status. (http://www.honoluluzoo.org/komodo_dragon.htm)
Do you know on what movie did a komodo dragon get put into the back seat of a car? Answer this question by posting a comment on LAAMS blogspot and you will get named as Komodo dragon expert of the week (this will be weekly)..
the movie was The freshman and it starred Mathew Broderick and Marlon Brando.
ReplyDeleteIf I were a superhero, I'd want to have the same blood-poisoning attribute as the Komodo Dragon does.
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