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The '''Komodo dragon''' (''Varanus komodoensis'' ) is a huge carnivorous reptile, the heaviest lizard in the world, and the possibly the largest living species of monitor lizard. They are found on the [[Indonesia]]n islands of Komodo, Rintja and Padar and have recently colonized the large island of Flores.

The '''Komodo dragon''' (''Varanus komodoensis'' ) is a huge carnivorous reptile, the heaviest lizard in the world, and the possibly the largest living species of monitor lizard. They are found on the [[Indonesia]]n islands of Komodo, Rintja and Padar and have recently colonized the large island of Flores.

Komodo dragons exhibit insular [[gigantism]]; <ref>http://hoopermuseum.earthsci.carleton.ca/gigantic/insular.htm</ref> although they have a relatively low metabolism, their strength and powerful jaws allow them to remain the apex predators on the isolated islands where they live. Komodo dragons are not "fire breathing [[dragons]]" or dinosaurs; they are, however, a creature of impressive size and danger that should be treated with care, as they have been known to attack lone humans when threatened or hungry. More normally they feed upon [[deer]] and feral [[goat]]s.

Komodo dragons exhibit insular [[gigantism]]; <ref>http://hoopermuseum.earthsci.carleton.ca/gigantic/insular.htm</ref> although they have a relatively low metabolism, their strength and powerful jaws allow them to remain the apex predators on the isolated islands where they live. Komodo dragons are not "fire breathing [[dragons]]" or dinosaurs; they are, however, a creature of impressive size and danger that should be treated with care, as they have been known to attack lone humans when threatened or hungry. Usually they feed upon [[deer]], feral [[goats]], and feral [[pigs]].

Though not actually [[venomous]], they carry many strains of [[bacteria]] in their saliva, encouraging severe infections in any bite they cause. Komodo dragons will commonly charge a prey animal, bite it, then follow at their leisure while they wait for the creature to succumb to the infection, which generally occurs within a matter of hours.

Though not actually [[venomous]], they carry many strains of [[bacteria]] in their saliva, encouraging severe infections in any bite they cause. Komodo dragons will commonly charge a prey animal, bite it, then follow at their leisure while they wait for the creature to succumb to the infection, which generally occurs within a matter of hours.