Deadly ambush predators - nothing is off the menu

Super senses enable Komodo Dragons to detect decomposing flesh from miles away....

By Annette J Beveridge

Intimidating and deadly - enter the world of the largest lizard on the planet - the Komodo Dragon.

Growing to a maximum length of 3m (9ft), dragons can weigh up to 70kg (150lbs). These are apex predators with the strength to take down and consume large animals such as deer or water buffalo. Nothing is off the menu….even people.

Ruthless carnivores,  a dragon can gobble down almost its own body weight in just one sitting. Even the smaller dragons are at risk.

With significant claws as weapons, when dragons are in attack mode, the claws can create deadly injuries to any animal that has strayed too close.  The teeth are razor sharp too growing up to an inch (2.5 cm), these are replaced when necessary.

Dragons hunt and ambush their prey. Birds, mammals and vertebrates are taken, but they also eat a significant amount of carrion.

Join One Planet News - Wild Insights

Breeding

During May and August, the dragons begin to breed. About 20 eggs are laid in September. Komodo Dragons find an abandoned nest or scrape out a hole using strong claws. The young are born in April - a prime time for insects.

When young dragons emerge, they are extremely vulnerable and climb trees to stay safe. When dragons reach eight or nine years, they become mature.

The average lifespan is 30 years.

These are solitary animals and are most active during the day. Dragons prefer a hot and dry habitat including areas of open grassland and tropical forest.

Scenting the air

The dragon’s tongue is long and narrow with a fork at its tip. Prey is located using the tongue and as it retracts, it moves into a sheaf inside the mouth.

Dragons can detect the scent of carrion up to 6 miles away (11 km) with volatile oils released as decomposition progresses.

This impressive ability occurs through ……