Komodo National Park (UNESCO/NHK)

Summary

The Komodo National Park in Indonesia is home to around 3,000 Komodo dragons, the largest lizards in the world. These ancient reptiles, which resemble dinosaurs, have survived for millions of years thanks to their strong, armor-like skin. Despite the intense heat, they stay active, especially during mating season. Komodo dragons can detect prey from 5 km away, and their poisonous saliva helps them slowly kill their targets, often wild boars. These massive creatures can consume up to 80% of their weight in one meal and can go a month without eating.

Takeaways

• 🦎 The Komodo Island in Indonesia is known for its beautiful coral reefs and clear blue ocean.
• 🐉 The island is home to Komodo dragons, the largest lizards in the world.
• 🌡️ During midsummer, temperatures can reach up to 40°C, which is challenging for the Komodo dragons due to their low heat tolerance.
• 🦥 Komodo dragons rest under the shade and lie on their stomachs to reduce their body temperature.
• 📏 Komodo dragons can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh nearly 100 kilograms.
• 🦖 Komodo dragons descend from ancient creatures that lived 100 million years ago, around the time of the dinosaurs.
• 🛡️ Their strong, armor-like skin has helped them survive for millions of years.
• 👃 They have an incredible sense of smell and can detect prey from as far as 5 kilometers away.
• 🐗 Wild boar is their favorite prey, and their saliva contains poison that kills prey slowly over days.
• 💪 During mating season, male Komodo dragons fight fiercely for females, using their claws to rip through their rivals' tough skin.

Q & A

What is the significance of Komodo Island in Indonesia?

Komodo Island is part of the National Park in Indonesia and is home to the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world. It is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and a clear blue ocean, making it an ecological hotspot.

How do Komodo dragons regulate their body temperature?

Komodo dragons lie on their stomachs under the shade of trees to reduce their body temperature, as their large bodies have a low tolerance to heat.

What is the maximum temperature on Komodo Island during midsummer?

During midsummer, the temperature on Komodo Island can rise to 40°C.

How big can Komodo dragons grow?

Komodo dragons can grow up to 3 meters in length and weigh nearly 100 kilograms.

How many Komodo dragons are estimated to live on Komodo Island?

There are about 3,000 Komodo dragons estimated to live on Komodo Island.

Why do Komodo dragons resemble dinosaurs?

Komodo dragons resemble dinosaurs because they descend from creatures that existed around 100 million years ago, around the same time as the dinosaurs.

What is special about the skin of Komodo dragons?

Komodo dragons have strong skin that works like armor, protecting their bodies and contributing to their survival over millions of years.

How do Komodo dragons detect their prey?

Komodo dragons have highly sensitive senses and can detect their prey from as far as 5 kilometers away.

What is the favorite prey of Komodo dragons?

The favorite prey of Komodo dragons is wild boar.

What is unique about the saliva of Komodo dragons?

The saliva of Komodo dragons contains a poison that kills their prey slowly, over several days.

How much food can Komodo dragons eat at once?

Komodo dragons can eat up to 80% of their body weight in one sitting, allowing them to survive for up to a month without eating.

What happens during the Komodo dragons' mating season?

During mating season in the summer, male Komodo dragons remain active despite the hot weather. They sometimes fight fiercely over a female, using their strong claws to rip their rival’s thick skin.