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The '''Komodo Dragon''' is a huge, savage, carnivorous reptile, and the largest living species of monitor lizard. They are found on the [[Indonesia]]n islands of Komodo, Rintja and Padar and have recently colonised 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.
[[Though not actually [[venomous]], they carry several 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.
== Reproduction ==
Recently two well-authenticated cases of [[virgin birth]]s have been reported for Komodo dragons in [[Europe]]an zoos. <ref>http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/12/061220-virgin-dragons.html</ref> This ability to reproduce despite the absence of other individuals is another trait commonly found among insular organisms.
== References ==
<references/>
[[Category:Reptiles]]
[[Category:Dangerous animals]]
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.
[[Though not actually [[venomous]], they carry several 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.
== Reproduction ==
Recently two well-authenticated cases of [[virgin birth]]s have been reported for Komodo dragons in [[Europe]]an zoos. <ref>http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/12/061220-virgin-dragons.html</ref> This ability to reproduce despite the absence of other individuals is another trait commonly found among insular organisms.
== References ==
<references/>
[[Category:Reptiles]]
[[Category:Dangerous animals]]