The largest monitor lizard in the world, the Komodo dragon was unknown in the west until 1910, when local stories reached the ears of the Dutch colonialists about a "land crocodile". A couple of years later, a paper was
The largest monitor lizard in the world, the Komodo dragon was unknown in the west until 1910, when local stories reached the ears of the Dutch colonialists about a "land crocodile". A couple of years later, a paper was published that identified it as a monitor lizard, and it was given the scientific name Varanus komodoensis. The Dutch and local rulers quickly realised that the species was rare, and protection plans were made in 1915. A recent estimate puts the number of individuals at between 4-5,000 - rare indeed.
Naturally, the Komodo dragon is not something you will see cruising the reefs (although they can and do swim). But you will get the chance to see these land-bound giant reptiles during Komodo liveaboard trips. All dive cruises in the area will include a land excursion in the Komodo National Park for guests to see these prehistoric giants, known locally in Indonesia by the name 'Ora'.
Park rangers lead visitors on guided walks to view the dragons in their natural environment. It's an easy walk with some great views and you may also see other wildlife such as wild pigs, deer and birds.
Family name: Varanidae
Order name: Squamata
Common name: Komodo Dragon
Scientific name: Varanus Komodoensis
Their ancestors date back over 100 million years.
Komodo dragons are very big indeed. In Asia one gets used to seeing small lizards sunning themselves and geckos racing around the ceiling trying to catch a tasty insect. In some places you also see monitor lizards which can be up to half a metre in length, but the dragon is the king. The average male adult is about 2.5 metres in length and weighs in at around 50 - 70 kilograms. The largest ever recorded Komodo dragon was well over 3 metres long and weighed 166 kg! The huge variation in weight may be due to the fact that these creatures can eat up to 80% of their own body weight in a single meal. They walk on bowed legs, sliding their tails back and forth to help with balance.
Just like other lizards, dragons are covered in rough scales which resemble armour. These scales are connected to nerves which help in their sensation of touch. Juveniles have multi-coloured hues of yellow, green, brown and grey; with a speckled skin. These colourings provide camouflage during their early life which they spend living in trees. Adult colours vary from earthen brown to dark grey and black, the older and more mature they are, the darker th