The Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) By: Daniel Hiller The Komodo dragon was first discovered to the scientific world by accident. During the First World War a pilot crashed into Indonesian waters and swam to safety to a nearby island. What he didnt realize at first was that this island he found was not safe! He soon found out that these giant lizards never seem to most of the world before lived on the island. Luckily, the pilot was able to radio to home and was picked up but no one believed his "dragon" story. Later, an expedition was formed and his reports were confirmed. Physical Characteristics Varanus komodoensis Habitat
The Komodo dragon mostly lives on the Komodo Island of Indonesia. These groups of islands are called Lesser Sunda Islands. All are part of Indonesia. Komodos live in self-dug burrows in the terrain. They like hot, arid grasslands on the island. The Komodo Island is about 520 sq. km. The highest elevation is 825 m. There is only one village on the entire island where humans live. It is called the Komodo Village and they practice Muslim. Komodos are not a real threat to the village because they know and respect the Komodos. They are lived together for hundreds of years. Diet The diet of the Komodo dragon is somewhat simple, anything it kills! They are carnivorous and primarily feed on Sunda deer. They will also prey on birds, snakes, wild horses, wild boar, water buffalo, and very seldomly humans! There has only been one death from the village people and more from tourists. The tourists have more of a chance of an attack because they dont really understand the Komodo dragon like the people who inhabit the islands. Komodo will also feed on any kind of carrion (already dead meat). The young Komodos feed on insects and geckos while they live in the tees. | |
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