KOMODO DRAGON

(Varanus komodoensis), largest extant lizard species, of the monitor lizard family Varanidae. It occurs on Komodo Island and a few neighbouring islands of the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia. Almost extinct because of collectors, the lizard is now protected. The reptile grows to 3 m (10 feet) in length, attains a weight of about 135 kg (about 300 pounds), and may live to an age of about 100 years. It digs a burrow as deep as 9 m and lays eggs that hatch in April or May. The newly hatched young, about 45 cm (18 inches) long, live in trees for several months. Adult Komodo dragons eat smaller members of their own species and sometimes even other adults. They can run swiftly and occasionally attack and kill human beings. Carrion, however, is their main diet, and the lizard may travel several kilometres (a few miles) from its burrow each day in search of food.