Komodo dragons are the largest living lizards in the world, growing up to 10 feet in length and weighing over 150 pounds. They are native to a few Indonesian islands, including Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Padar. These powerful reptiles have rough, scaly skin, strong limbs, and a long, muscular tail.

Komodo dragons are apex predators with a fearsome reputation. They have a keen sense of smell, which they use to detect carrion (dead animals) from several miles away. Their diet mainly consists of deer, pigs, water buffalo, and occasionally smaller dragons. Komodo dragons have a unique hunting strategy; they often ambush their prey and deliver a powerful bite. Their saliva contains a mix of toxic bacteria and venom, which can cause severe infection or shock in their prey, leading to death within a few days. The dragon then follows the dying animal until it can safely consume it.

These remarkable lizards are also known for their intelligence and ability to swim. Komodo dragons can travel between islands by swimming, which has allowed them to spread across their limited range. They are solitary creatures, coming together only to breed. Females lay eggs, which they bury in the ground and guard until they hatch.

Komodo dragons are classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss, natural disasters, and human activities such as poaching. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these incredible reptiles and their habitats, ensuring they continue to thrive in the wild.