Facts about Komodo Dragon that Tourists Should Know

Facts about Komodo Dragon that Tourists Should Know

Where do Komodo Dragons come from?

Komodo dragons are native to the island of Komodo. This animal is named ora by the local people. Komodo dragons are the largest species of the varanida e family and have been named the largest lizard in the world.

Komodo dragons are endemic animals native in Indonesia that cannot be found in other countries. Komodo dragons or Varanus Komodoensis are found on Komodo Island, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami in East Nusa Tenggara Province, NTT.

Komodo dragons can have an average length of about 2 to 3 meters and can weigh up to 100 kg. Komodo dragons are the top predator in their habitat. Komodo dragons are very famous in the world for their aggressiveness towards their prey.

Komodo Dragons Diet

Komodo dragons are carnivorous but feed mostly on the meat of dead animals. The Komodo dragon’s tongue can sense the smell of its meat. Whether it is a dead or dying animal at a distance of about 9.5 km.

Komodo dragons will usually eat their prey by tearing the meat into pieces first. After that, it will swallow the dead meat whole. Komodo dragons also have saliva that can help them finish their food in one swallow.

Characteristics of Komodo Dragons

1. Komodo dragons have a very large body size, adult dragons have a body size of about 2 to 3 meters.
2. Has a tail that is as long as its body.
3. Can salivate which is sometimes mixed with blood. This condition occurs because almost all of its teeth are coated with gingival tissue that is torn apart when eating.
4. It has 60 teeth with very sharp serrations, up to 2.5 cm long and often changes.
5. Komodo dragons have a long, yellow, forked tongue.
6. Komodo dragons have a larger male size than the female.
7. Male Komodo dragons have a dark gray to brick red body color.
8. Female Komodo dragons have an olive green body color and have a small yellow patch on their throat.
9. Young Komodo dragons have more colorful skin such as yellow, green and white.

When you want to visit Komodo Island and see the giant lizards, you should not bring any meat. This could make the Komodo dragons’ carnivorous instincts triggered. Komodo dragons can smell meat even if it has been cooked. When entering the Komodo dragon habitat area, you are required to use a guide. You will also not be allowed to explore Komodo Island without using a guide. This is because it will be dangerous for tourists. Always try to keep your distance from the Komodo dragons because if you get too close, it will be dangerous for yourself. Komodo dragons can run up to 20 km/h so it will be difficult for you to escape.

If you are on Komodo Island and you are menstruating, then you should be more careful and alert. However, you should inform the guide about your condition so that you also get extra care. Komodo dragons have the same character as bulls, which are easily attracted by waving or swaying fabrics. Therefore, wear comfortable but safe clothing to see the Komodo dragons.