The Physical Attributes Of The Komodo Dragon
Though the Komodo Dragon is not the largest reptile in the world (this distinction belongs to certain species of crocodiles and alligators), it is the largest species of lizard. More specifically, the Komodo Dragon is a type of monitor lizard. Though they can grow to 10 feet in length, the average length of the Komodo Dragon is around 8 feet, with males usually being larger than females. Adult males in the wild weigh an average of 160 to 200 lbs, and adult females average out at about 150 lbs. Komodo Dragons are built low to the ground, with powerful hind and forelegs. Though they look cumbersome, Komodos can run extremely fast in short sprints, and they are proficient climbers, making them quite at home among the steep volcanic slopes where they live.
Komodos have long snouts, and long, jagged teeth, perfect for ripping into the flesh of their prey. Their skin is thick and not easily penetrated, making them seem more like dinosaurs than lizards of today. They have long, powerful necks, and their tails are large and thick, usually the same length as their body. Their claws are long and powerful, perfect for climbing and killing prey.
Although it was mistakenly thought at one time that Komodo Dragons secreted poison in their bite, the truth is that they are not poisonous. Their saliva, however, does contain deadly bacteria, which will cause serious infection in anything that they bite. Many times instead of killing prey outright, the Komodo will simply bite it, and then wait for infection to finish it off before they eat it. If a human is bitten by a Komodo, antibiotic treatment must be provided quickly, or there can be dire consequences. Although there have been cases of humans being attacked and killed by Komodo Dragon's, these incidences have been relatively rare.
Komodos have a very keen sense of smell, and can follow scents up to 5 miles away using their uniquely designed forked tongues. Their skulls and stomachs are very flexible, allowing them to eat swallow and eat large amounts of food – up to eighty percent of their body weight in one feeding.
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