A Komodo dragon walking across dry ground
Photo: James Jolokia · CC BY 4.0
Reptile

Komodo Dragon Facts

Varanus komodoensis

ReptileIndonesiaCarnivore

Komodo dragons are the world's largest living lizards and occur naturally on a small group of Indonesian islands. Their muscular bodies, serrated teeth, and venom help subdue large prey.

Habitat
Savanna
Diet
Deer, pigs, smaller reptiles, and carrion
Lifespan
20–30 years

Komodo Dragon Facts at a Glance

Komodo dragons are the world's largest living lizards and occur naturally on a small group of Indonesian islands. Their muscular bodies, serrated teeth, and venom help subdue large prey.

It belongs to the family Varanidae in the order Squamata. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; the source names below document the review basis.

Komodo Dragon Habitat

Komodo Dragons live in Savanna and Dry Forest habitats. Their recorded range includes Indonesia. Suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young help shape that range.

What Do Komodo Dragons Eat?

Komodo Dragons have a carnivore diet that includes Deer, pigs, smaller reptiles, and carrion. The food available in their environment shapes how they find, hunt, forage for, or receive meals.

Komodo Dragon Lifespan, Size, and Weight

Komodo Dragons typically live for 20–30 years. Adults measure about 200–300 cm and weigh around 70–90 kg; these ranges can vary with sex, age, environment, and access to food.

Komodo Dragon Conservation Status

Komodo Dragon is listed here as Endangered. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Region
Indonesia
Habitat
Savanna, Dry Forest
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
20–30 years
Size
200–300 cm
Weight
70–90 kg

Fun facts

  • Adults can consume a large fraction of their body mass in one meal.
  • A forked tongue collects scent particles and delivers them to a sensory organ in the mouth.
  • Young dragons spend more time in trees to avoid larger adults.
  • Females can reproduce without fertilisation through parthenogenesis.

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Sources and image credit

Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under the stated license.