Komodo Dragons Research Paper

Komodo dragons, which scientific name is Varanus komodoensis, have thrived in the harsh climate of Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands for millions of years. Reaching 3 meters in length and more than 300 pounds, Komodo dragons are the heaviest lizards on Earth. They have long, flat heads with rounded snouts, scaly skin, bowed legs, and huge, muscular tails. These extraordinary lizards have a curious diet, the way of getting their hunt is strange, and their status on earth is endangered. As the dominant predators on the handful of islands they inhabit, they will eat almost anything, including carrion, deer, pigs, smaller dragons, and even large water buffalo and humans. When hunting, Komodo dragons rely on camouflage and patience, lying in wait for passing prey. When a victim ambles by, Komodo dragon they spring their powerful legs driving powerful claws accomplish some of this, but …show more content…
The “lucky” animals that escape the jaws of a Komodo will only be safe for a while because the dragon’s saliva teems with over 50 strains of bacteria, and within 24 hours, the stricken creature usually dies of blood poisoning. Komodo dragons calmly follow the escaped prey for miles as the bacteria takes effect, using their keen sense of smell to hone in on the corpse. These amazing dragons are endangered due in part to their limited range. It would appear that they have been hunted (legally and illegally) over the years, but not to the extent of decimating the population. Komodo National Park, established in 1980, and strict anti-poaching laws have helped protect the dragons, although illegal activity still takes place. Villagers sometimes poison carrion bait to reduce the population. Even though they are endangered, there is a stable population of about 3,000 to 5,000 of these powerful lizards on the Indonesians islands of Komodo, Gila Motang, Rinca, and