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Star News INDONESIA, Sunday, (10 November 2024). JAKARTA - The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a fascinating and powerful predator found only on a few Indonesian islands, including Komodo, Rinca, and Flores. It is the largest living lizard in the world, growing up to 10 feet long and weighing as much as 150 kilograms. Despite its massive size, the Komodo dragon is known for its agility and hunting skills.
Komodo dragons are carnivorous, and their diet mainly consists of large prey such as deer, wild boar, and even water buffalo. They are skilled hunters and use their sharp claws, powerful jaws, and venomous saliva to bring down prey. The venom in their saliva contains toxins that can cause severe infections and even death in their victims, making them efficient hunters.
These reptiles are also known for their exceptional sense of smell. They can detect a carcass from several kilometers away, guiding them to their next meal. Komodo dragons are solitary animals, often spending their days sunbathing to regulate their body temperature and conserving energy for their next hunt.
Sadly, the Komodo dragon faces threats from habitat loss and climate change, and their population is considered vulnerable. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these remarkable creatures, and the Komodo National Park is a vital sanctuary for their survival. Protecting these majestic lizards is crucial to preserving the unique biodiversity of Indonesia's islands.
Writer : Julia Silalahi
Editor : Meli Purba
