Relatives of Komodo dragon have been found in fossil records in Australia. Today, the Komodo dragon is found only on the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang (all within Komodo National Park).
They are also found in small numbers along the northern coast of Flores. This population is currently most at threat. In 1990 the population of dragons within the Park was estimated to be 3,336 with a ratio of 3.4 males to female.
The Komodo dragon is an “endangered” species and Indonesian law strictly protects this unique reptile.
Scientists estimate that a Komodo dragon may live for 50 years. Scientists believe dragon reach sexual maturity in 6-8 years.
Mating season occurs in July and August and the female lays 15-30 eggs between August and September. The 86 mm long egg have a soft, pliable shell and are laid in holes on hillsides or in dry stream banks.
The eggs hatch in 8 – 9 months. Hatchling dragons are about 35 cm long and weight an average of 80 grams. For the first 5 years, young dragon often live on trees, catching insects and geckoes for food, while avoiding being eaten by larger dragons.
Komodo dragons are active only during the warm day light hours. They emerge from their holes around sunrise, bask in the sun to raise their body temperature, and begin looking for food.
During the day, they are often found in the open, savannah, and sparse monsoon forests searching for food like deer, wild pig, water buffalo, and wild horses. The Komodo dragon is camouflaged and blends into its surroundings.
It hides along game trails waiting for its prey. Well known for their huge appetite, 2 meters, 50 kg dragon can eat a 40 kg deer or wild pig in one meal.
Sometimes, water buffalo or wild horse is killed and eaten by several dragons over 3 – 4 days. The most active feeding time for komodo dragons is from 6 – 10 a.m. and from 2 – 5 p.m. During the mid day heat, they rest in the shade.
In late afternoon dragons return to burrows or sheltered forest edges to spend the night. |
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