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Komodo MonitorScientific Name: Varanus komodensis Komodo Monitor's are found on the Indonesian Islands of Komodo, Rintja, Padar and the western portion of Flores. Their habitat consists of savannah and forest edges. The largest specimen on record was a 10'2", 365 lbs. animal received at the St. Louis Zoo in 1933. More typical specimens are 8'6" and 120 lbs. They are carnivorous, and are particularly drawn to the scent of rotted flesh.Even though it is the largest of all living lizards, the Komodo dragon was not known to science until 1912. The island of Komodo is a national park, the only case of an area set aside specifically to protect a lizard. Larger adults have home ranges of 1-2 square miles. Komodos visit water holes to drink and cool themselves in an environment where temperatures reach daily highs of over 120 F. Strong and willing swimmers, Komodos regularly traverse as much as 1,300 feet of marine water from island to island on foraging trips. The large lizards readily swim fully submerged for distances of 300 feet. Adults prey on deer, pig and goats, as well as readily feeding on carrion. The hind teeth are finely serrated, allowing the lizards to easily tear off large chunks of flesh. Once bitten, an animal may get away but will usually die a short time later from the infection |
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| Copyright 2009 White Oak Conservation Center | |||||
