The Komodo dragon is a large species of monitor lizard that inhabits several Indonesian islands. Also known as the "land crocodile" by natives, the Komodo dragon can grow to be up to 10 feet long and can weigh up to 300 pounds. They were first documented by Europeans in 1910, and can live anywhere from 30-50 years.
The Komodo dragon is a carnivore and eats mainly mammals, though it will also eat birds and sometimes younger dragons. It has also, on occasion, been reported to have attacked humans. Though it is a large creature it can run at up to 12 mph for short distances, and younger dragons will often climb trees to seek shelter and safety. The Komodo dragon's deadly bite, which was once thought to be caused because of the bacteria in its mouth, has been also been recently shown to contain toxic proteins.
The Komodo dragon is a carnivore and eats mainly mammals, though it will also eat birds and sometimes younger dragons. It has also, on occasion, been reported to have attacked humans. Though it is a large creature it can run at up to 12 mph for short distances, and younger dragons will often climb trees to seek shelter and safety. The Komodo dragon's deadly bite, which was once thought to be caused because of the bacteria in its mouth, has been also been recently shown to contain toxic proteins.
The Komodo dragon is also on the endangered species list. Many factors have contributed to their decline, including loss of habitat and poaching of not only the dragons themselves, but also of some their prey as well. Several wildlife preserves have been created on the islands to help preserve their numbers, and their are numerous Komodo dragons in captivity. They are also officially under the protection of the Indonesian government, and it has been recently estimated that there are up to 5,000 Komodo dragons still in the wild.
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