Komodo Dragon
Tagged: animal, animals, bird, fish, insectVaranus komodoensis
Known locally as buaja daret (”land crocodiles’, these giant lizards were named after the mythical dragon because of their size and fierce predatory nature. It seems inconceivable that the enormous Komodo dragon could remain upknown (at least to western scientists) until the early 20th century. Referred to locally as the ora or buaja daret (”land crocodile”), early reported sightings were probably dismissed as superstition or simply as crocodiles. In 1912 a Dutch pilot, having swum ashore to the island of Komodo after crashing in the sea, reported seeing them; further investigation verified their existence. The first scientific description was by Major P. A. Ouwens, director of the botanical gardens in Buitenzorg, Java, in 1912. Soon afterward a government order closed the area in which they were found and limited the number of specimens allowed to go to zoos. The Komodo dragon is found only on Komodo and the neighboring islands of Rinca, Padar, and western Flores. Some of the populations are probably transient they are powerful swimmers and go from island to island in search of food. The total area of their natural habitat is roughly 390 square miles (1,000 sq. km), and it is generally hot, with an average daytime temperature of 80°F (27°C) or higher. Usually conditions are very dry, too, apart from a short monsoon season, when the Komodo dragons use pools caused by rain for wallowing.
During hot weather and overnight they take to burrows. Komodo dragons are top predators in their range. Adults will tackle anything, including deer, pigs, and goats. Occasionally even humans are said to feature in the diet. They are armed with a strong tail as well as powerful limbs and claws. Their teeth are serrated like those of sharks and can easily rip a carcass. They also produce bacteria that cause blood poisoning and death. Prey that is not killed immediately often dies later. Komodo dragons can scent the carrion up to 5 miles (8 km) away and come to gather at the site of the death. The Indonesian government regards Komodo dragons as a national asset, and they are protected. Hunting is strictly forbidden; trade in Komodos (or their parts) is banned under CITES. Tourists on Komodo are carefully controlled to prevent disturbance. The islands of Radar and Rinca are nature reserves where no tourists are allowed. However, Komodo dragons have been smuggled. In 1998 a Malaysian was arrested in Mexico City after investigation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Komodo dragons were seized.
Protecting the Species
The main threat to Komodo dragons comes from habitat destruction and the poaching of their prey by inhabitants on Komodo Island. Radar and Rinca are uninhabited, so this is not a problem; however, there, as on Komodo, natural fires destroy the plants and animals on which the dragons depend. Recent reports claim that many specimens on Komodo are emaciated from lack of food. The first captive-breeding attempt was carried out in the National Zoo, Washington, in 1992, when 13 out of a clutch of 26 eggs hatched; this was followed by two successful hatchings at Cincinnati Zoo in 1993.
Currently around 300 specimens are held in zoos worldwide; 186 of the specimens are juveniles bred in captivity. This is encouraging, but many zoos are unable to set up breeding groups due to lack of space. Zoo populations are seen as a “reservoir” from which specimens could be reintroduced into the wild. No further introductions will be made, however, until the genetic makeup of wild and captive-bred specimens has been studied, since variations between the two have been observed. The Komodo dragon is a giant lizard about 8feet (2.4 m) long. The largest recorded example, which was displayed in Saint Louis in the 193 0s, measured 10.2 feet (3 m) and weighed over 350 Bounds (160 kg).
Komodo dragon
Varanus komodoensis
- Family: Varanidae
- World population: 3,000-5,000 in the wild
- Distribution: Indonesia; islands of Komodo, Rinca, Padar, and western Flores
- Habitat: Lowland islands, aril forest, and savanna
- Size: Length: males over 8 ft (2.4 m); females 7 ft (2.1 m). Weight: males 200 lb (90 kg); females 150 lb (67 kg)
- Form: Lizard with large, bulky body and powerful tail, strong limbs, and claws. Rough scales give a beaded appearance. External ear openings are visible on each side of the head. Sharp teeth for ripping carcasses. Coloration is brown, black, reddish brown, or gray
- Diet: Hatchlings and juveniles eat insects, reptiles, eggs, small rodents, and birds. Adults eat deer, pigs, goats, possibly water buffalo, and reputedly, humans
- Breeding: Up to 30 eggs, buried. Incubation period about 8 months
- Related endangered species: Gray’s monitor lizard (Varanus olivaceus)
They also produce bacteria that cause blood poisoning and death.
This is inaccurate: It is not impossible that they infect their prey with bacteria, but they certainly do not “produce” these bacteria.
[...] dragon video fighting – The Komodo Dragon, also known as the Komodo Monitor, Komodo Island Monitor, Ora or simply Komodo (Varanus [...]