They only come down when they’re around 4 years old, by which time they’re around 4 ft long. Komodo dragons are also cannibalistic, which is why baby dragons quickly scurry off to live in trees, where the adults can’t reach them. They have a fairly easy-going lifestyle, with loads of sun-basking and naps thrown in. Komodo dragons grow throughout their lifespan, which can be up to 30 years. In fact, some of them even prefer abandoned human dwellings on the islands! They sometimes dig burrows to sleep in at night, but they aren’t very territorial about their burrows – they have been known to sleep in burrows dug by other lizards. Komodo dragons are interesting creatures, who like hot and humid weather. Heavy though they are, they’re also incredibly fast and can run at a speed of 11 mph! Komodo Dragon Habitat Each of these teeth is around 2.5 inch long and are frequently replaced.

Komodo dragons also have 60 shark-like teeth that they use to tear apart their victims. They also have shark-like teeth and long, yellow, forked tongues that are chock full of deadly bacteria. Komodo dragons have muscular tails almost as long as their bodies and long, powerful claws. The heaviest recorded specimen was 10 ft long and weighed 136 kg! They range from black to yellow-gray in color, depending on their location. A full grown adult maybe around 9 ft long and weigh around 70 -90 kg although, captive dragons have been found to be heavier. Komodo dragons are large, heavy lizards, with toughened skin that protects them from bites and scratches. In fact, Komodo dragons have the smallest home range of any large predator in the world! Physical Features and Characteristics The Komodo national park includes the islands – Komodo, Rinca, Gili Montang, Gili Dasami. They’re found in a limited range of around 1000 kilometres, encompassing the Komodo National Park and the islands of Flores. Unknown to western scientists till 1912, they were discovered by scientists following rumors of large, dragon-like lizards in the lesser Sunda islands.

They’re ancient reptile species with ancestry that dates back more than 100 million years. Thought to be the source behind the fire-breathing mythical creatures, Komodo dragons are the world’s largest lizards.

Comodo dragon habitat