Komodo dragons are the largest and heaviest lizards on Earth. The name ‘Komodo dragon’ originated from rumours claiming that a dragon-like creature inhabited[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ] the island of Komodo.
Local people call them ‘ora’ or land crocodile. They are powerful-looking reptiles with long and flat heads, scaly skin, arched legs, as well as huge and muscular tails.
Komodo dragons are native to the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia. They have thrived in these islands for millions of years, only to be documented in 1910 in the island of Komodo.
As dominant predators of these islands, adult Komodo dragons will feast on anything that they could sink their teeth into, including water buffaloes, pigs, carcasses, smaller Komodo dragons and occasionally humans as well.
Although capable of sprinting up to 20 kilometres per hour for a brief moment, a Komodo dragon depends greatly on patience and camouflage, lying in bushes or tall grass until a prey approaches unsuspectingly.
It then pounces and knocks the prey over by using its strong legs. Then, the Komodo dragon uses its sharp, serrated teeth and claws to eviscerate its prey, according to an article in National Geographic magazine.
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