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Komodo Dragon

DESCRIPTION: Terrestrial multi-hued lizard with darkyellow, green, brown, and gray scales in years 1-5; adults generally areearthen red to gray and nearly black in various species; have short, powerfullimbs and tail; sharp claws SIZE: Males - 2.5-3.18 m total adult body length,Females - 1.8-1.96 m total adult body length WEIGHT: 164.25 kg maximum.Males - 90.9-135 kg,Females - 34-56.8 kg FUN FACTS: Komodo dragons are found on only fourislands in Indonesia with atotal area approximately the size of RhodeIsland! After hatching, the young immediatelyclimb trees to avoid being eaten by their cannibalistic elders. Komodos are opportunistic carnivoreswhose saliva contains several strains of virulent bacteria which in turn causessevere infection that can lead to blood poisoning and death in 1-5 days. Komodos have been known to dig upfreshly buried humans and eat the remains. Their sense of smell is so keen theycan detect the scent of carrion 5miles away! They have also been known to hunt in largepacks and bring down large prey. They are excellent swimmers and cancross great distances and strong ocean currents just to raid neighboringislands where the only available food source is domestic animals. Larger dragons eat first, while smallerdragons get what's left over. They have been known to eat up to 80% of theirbody weight in one meal. They communicate through body language:hissing loudly and inflating their throat. At times, their tails are used toswipe the feet out from under prey. Fat stored in their tail can providedragons with metabolic water in times of drought, enabling them to go for 1 to1 months without eating or drinking. Thesemembers of the lizard family Varanus, have a forked tongue that collects scentmolecules for analysis. Molecular analysis is conducted by the Jacobson's Organin the top of the mouth.

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