Komodo dragon Komodo dragon The Komodo dragon ("Varanus komodoensis"), also known as the Komodo monitor, is a species of lizard found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Padar. A member of the monitor lizard family Varanidae, it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to a maximum length of in rare cases and weighing up to approximately . Their unusually large size has been attributed to island gigantism, since no other carnivorous animals fill the niche on the islands where they live. However, recent research suggests the large size of Komodo dragons may be better understood
Island night lizard islands and partnering between the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Navy. The island night lizard's preferred habitat is coastal scrub made up of dense boxthorn and cacti thickets. Like other night lizards, the island night lizard bears live young rather than laying eggs. The island night lizard is much larger than another species in the genus "Xantusia", the desert night lizard ("Xantusia vigilis") of southern California. Island night lizards are typically between in length, not including the tail. They typically live between 11 and 13 years, but some individuals are estimated to have lived 30 years or