There are large numbers of lizard species in the world, but the most famous is Komodo dragon or Komodo monitor. The reason is that, this is the largest lizard specie in the world that is often confused with crocodiles due to its large structure. Here are some interesting facts about Komodo dragon.
1. Scientific Name
The scientific name of Komodo dragon is Varanus komodoensis. It belongs to reptilian class and lies in the family and order Varanidae and Squamata respectively.
2. Origin
It has been estimated that the origin of Komodo dragon is about 40 million years ago. However, it is an astonishing reality that no one was aware about this specie of lizard and it was came in front of human being just about 100 years ago.
3. Heaviest Lizard
As Komodo dragon is the largest lizard specie in the world with maximum length not more than 3 meters. So, its weight is also according to its length that could be up to 360 pounds. This thing makes it the heaviest lizard in the world.
4. Natural Habitat
The natural habitat of Komodo dragon is Indonesia and as it is found in komodo island of Indonesia in abundance, so it is named as Komodo dragon with reference to the name of its habitat.
5. Use of Tongue
Like all other animals, Komodo dragons use their tongue to taste its prey, but there is another use of tongue in case of this largest lizard. Komodo dragons also use their long tongue to check the scent of their prey by flickering tongue in the air.
6. Monitor Lizard
Being having powerful sight, Komodo dragons are also called monitor lizard. Moreover, ability to flick to tongue in and out repeatedly as well as back and forth motion makes it a monitor lizard.
7. Carnivorous
No doubt, komodo dragons are carnivorous animals. However, they like to eat dead animals, but can also alive as well like deer, pig, water-buffalo and even little Komodo dragons.
8. Dangerous to Bite
Komodo dragons are not a delicious food for those animals that bite these large lizards. However, this is due to those bacteria that produce in the bodies of komodo dragons due to their very slow digestive system and these bacteria are harmful for other predators.
9. Diet in Single Feeding
The diet of Komodo dragons depends upon their size and body weight. However, in single feeding, a komodo dragon can eat up to 80 percent of its body weight.
10. Average Life Span
The average life span of a Komodo dragon naturally, is about 30 years. However, it could be little less or more depends upon various surrounding factors.