Komodo

Komodo refers to the Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard, and to the Indonesian island of Komodo. The dragon, Varanus komodoensis, can grow up to about 2-3 meters in length and weigh around 70 kilograms. It is a carnivore that hunts large prey such as deer and wild boar, as well as smaller animals and carrion. The species is native to a few islands in the eastern Indonesian archipelago, particularly Komodo, Rinca, Padar, and Gili Motang, where it inhabits dry savannas, scrub, and forested areas. It is an apex predator in these ecosystems and relies on ambush and patient stalking in hot, arid environments.

The Komodo National Park, established in 1980, encompasses Komodo, Rinca, Padar, and surrounding smaller islands to protect the dragon and its habitat. The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 and is also recognized as a biosphere reserve. In addition to the dragons, the park protects other wildlife such as Timor deer, wild pigs, water buffalo, and a variety of bird species. Tourism activities within the park are managed to minimize ecological impact.

Reproduction occurs when females lay eggs after mating; clutches typically contain 20-30 eggs, with incubation lasting seven to eight months. Hatchlings are about 30 centimeters long and face high juvenile mortality due to predation and environmental pressures. Conservation status: the Komodo dragon is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with threats including habitat loss, natural disasters, and human disturbance. Ongoing research, including studies on venomous components of the bite, continues to refine understanding of their predatory strategies.