The Habitat, Feeding Habits, And Diet Of The Komodo Dragon
Komodo Dragons have a relatively small habitat, and for this reason they are considered an endangered species. Komodos live on the Island of Komodo , which is where they got their name, but they also live on the surrounding islands of Padar, Flores, Gili, Montang, and Rinca, all part of the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, located between Australia and Borneo . Though all of these islands except for Flores are part of Komodo National Park, where the Komodos are protected, their small numbers, estimated to be anywhere from 1000 to 5000, makes their species vulnerable to extinction. Any devastating natural disaster in their habitat could prove fatal to the Komodo population, but for now their small numbers are thriving. One of the reasons that Komodo Dragons are relatively safe from humans is that the areas in which they live are not conducive to human habitation. Komodos thrive on these dry, rugged volcanic islands, where very little water and steep rough terrain keeps most humans at bay.
Komodo Dragons dig burrows where they rest for a good part of the day to escape the heat. They also will rest in the shade of vegetation, where they are highly camouflaged. These resting and cooling places also make great waiting areas for prey. When prey walks by, a Komodo will sprint from its hiding place, running the prey down. Very young Komodo Dragons will hide, rest, and feed in trees.
Feeding habits and diet – Komodo Dragons are strictly carnivores. Although Komodo Dragons can be fierce predators, their favorite diet is carrion. With their keen sense of smell, Komodos can smell carrion a long way off, and are more than happy to travel up to five miles to check it out. With their formidable size and fierce demeanor, few other carrion eaters will challenge them, and if they do, the outcome is usually not favorable for the challenger. Komodos are quite capable of attacking and killing live prey also, and will eat deer, wild boars, goats, birds, and even water buffaloes. Komodo Dragons have also been known to eat smaller Komodos if the situation presents itself. The Komodo's sharp teeth and powerful claws can take down and kill prey quickly. Very young Komodo dragons will eat insects, birds, small mammals, small reptiles, and any other small animals that they usually find in trees
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