Changes

[[Image:komodo2.jpg|thumb|200px|right| A Komodo dragon in the process of hatching.]]

[[Image:komodo2.jpg|thumb|200px|right| A Komodo dragon in the process of hatching.]]

[[Image:komodo3.jpg|thumb|200px|right| A Komodo dragon receiving [[acupuncture]] treatment.]]

[[Image:komodo3.jpg|thumb|200px|right| A Komodo dragon receiving [[acupuncture]] treatment.]]

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. It can grow up to 10 feet in length, and 350 pounds in weight.  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 [[dragon]]s" or dinosaurs; they are, however, creatures 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 [[goat]]s, and feral [[pig]]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 [[dragon]]s" or dinosaurs; they are, however, creatures 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 [[goat]]s, and feral [[pig]]s.