Komodo dragons
The world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon is a powerful predator that lives on a few Indonesian islands. Venom in its bite helps weaken its prey.
- Length
- 2–3 m
- Weight
- 50–90 kg
- Lifespan in the wild
- 25–30 years
- Conservation status (IUCN)
- Endangered (EN)
Figures are approximate for adults and vary by sex, subspecies and population.
At a glance
The key facts about Komodo dragons.
- Where does it live?It lives only in Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands: Komodo, Rinca, Flores and a few small islands.
- What does it eat?It is a carnivore.
- Behaviour and social lifeKomodo dragons mostly live alone, though several may gather at a large carcass.
- YoungThe female buries her eggs in the ground or in old nests.
In depth
In short
- The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard species.
- It lives only on Komodo, Rinca, Flores and a few small islands in Indonesia.
- It can hunt large animals such as deer and wild boar and also eats carrion.
- Glands in its lower jaw produce venom.
- The IUCN lists it as Endangered; climate change and habitat loss are the main threats.
The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) can approach 3 metres in length, making it the largest living lizard. With strong legs, a long muscular tail, a forked tongue and serrated teeth, it is the top predator on its islands.
Where does it live?
It lives only in Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands: Komodo, Rinca, Flores and a few small islands. It uses dry savannas, open woodland and coastal areas. A large part of its population is protected in Komodo National Park.
What does it eat?
It is a carnivore. Young dragons eat insects, lizards and birds. Adults can hunt large animals such as deer, wild boar and water buffalo. It ambushes prey and wounds it with a powerful bite. Using its forked tongue to pick up scent traces in the air, it can find carcasses from far away.
Behaviour and social life
Komodo dragons mostly live alone, though several may gather at a large carcass. They rest in the shade or in burrows during the hottest hours. Young dragons spend much of their first years in trees to stay safe from adults.
Young
The female buries her eggs in the ground or in old nests. The young hatch after about 7–8 months and are independent. Female Komodo dragons have been documented producing young from unfertilised eggs without a male (parthenogenesis).
Conservation status
The Komodo dragon is listed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List. Its very small range, the risk that rising sea levels will shrink its habitat, declining prey and human activity are the main threats.
Fun facts
- The venom in a Komodo dragon's bite is thought to increase blood loss and hinder clotting.
- It can eat a large fraction of its own body weight in a single meal.
- It is named after Komodo, one of the islands where it lives.
Good to know
The most important points.
- Keep away from wild animalsKomodo dragons can be dangerous to people too. In the national park, only walk with a guide and follow the rules.
Similar animals
Other animals in the same group.
King cobraThe world's longest venomous snake, the king cobra warns intruders by raising its head off the ground and spreading its hood. Most of its diet is other snakes.Explore
Nile crocodileAfrica's largest reptile, the Nile crocodile is the patient hunter of rivers and lakes. Despite its cold-blooded image, it cares for its young with surprising attention.Explore
AxolotlThe axolotl keeps its larval look even as an adult and draws scientific interest for its ability to regrow lost body parts. In the wild it lives only in a few canals near Mexico City and is critically endangered.Explore
Loggerhead sea turtleKnown for its big head and strong jaws, the loggerhead sea turtle nests on beaches along Türkiye's Mediterranean and Aegean coasts. İztuzu beach at Dalyan is one of its best-known nesting sites.ExploreRespect for nature, stronger tomorrows
Protecting wildlife is everyone's responsibility.
If you find an injured or young wild animal, don't touch it; inform your local wildlife authority. More knowledge, more awareness.
- Respect natural habitats
- Watch wild animals from afar
- Leave no litter in nature
- Support a sustainable future
