Komodo Dragon

Varanus komodoensis

Habitat

Terrestrial habitats including forest and savanna.

Diet

Carnivorous and scavenging. Adults eat carrion and large vertebrates; juveniles take insects, small reptiles, eggs, and birds.

Facts

• A Komodo dragon's diet changes with age. Adults can consume carrion and large vertebrates such as deer, pigs, goats, and water buffalo, while juveniles hunt smaller prey including insects, reptiles, eggs, and birds.
• It is mainly active by day, but a burrow provides a cooler retreat at night and during very hot weather.
• Adults are generally stone-colored and have heavy bodies, sturdy limbs, large distinct scales, and a yellow forked tongue; juveniles are more vividly patterned.

Research sources

• GBIF Backbone Taxonomy
• ReptTraits — Varanus komodoensis
• Komodo dragon
• Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) | Animal Diversity Web