Animal World 1 | Page 10

THE KOMODO DRAGON

DAVID CORTÉS AND JESICA GUTBERLET

The Komodo Dragon is a reptile that has evolved on Earth for millions of years but faces extinction today. It is a species of sauropsida that belongs to the family of the monitor lizards, endemic of some islands of central Indonesia. They are dangerous for people because they can bite and kill. They are normally relaxed, but if you bother them, they can attack you. It is recommended that you do not touch them for security reasons, as you could be in danger. They also have venom glands.

SIZE AND WEIGHT

Komodo dragons are normally between 2 and 3 meters long and they weigh around 70 kilograms. However, the largest komodo dragon measures 3.13 meters long and weighs 166 kilograms.

NATIVE HABITAT

Komodo dragons live in the islands of Indonesia, but they are limited to a few of them such as the Lesser Sunda group, including Rintja, Padar and Flores. Of course, they also live in the island of Komodo, which is 22 miles (35 kilometers) long.

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