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 Author: MRPlotz, CC0, via Wikimedia |
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The Komodo Dragon is a giant and fearsome lizard. Its scientific name is Varanus komodoensis.
How big can they get?
The Komodo Dragon is the largest species of lizard in the world. It can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh up to 300 pounds.
The Komodo Dragon is covered with a scaly skin that is a speckled brownish yellow allowing it to be camouflaged and hard to see when sitting still. It has short, stubby legs and a giant tail that is as long as its body. It has a set of 60 sharp serrated teeth and a long yellow forked tongue.
Where do Komodo Dragons live?
These giant lizards live on four islands that are part of the country of Indonesia. They live in hot and dry places such as grassland or savannah. At night they live in burrows they have dug in order to preserve heat.
What do they eat?
Komodo dragons are carnivores and, therefore, hunt and eat other animals. Their favorite meal is deer, but they will eat most any animal they can catch including pigs and sometimes water buffalo.
