Komodo Dragon

Big lizard. Small home.

Komodo dragons are found on only five small islands in Indonesia. Four of these islands (Komodo, Rinca, Gili Montang, Gili Dasami) are part of Komodo National Park. The fifth island is Flores.

Komodo dragons are the world's largest living lizard species. But they have the smallest range of any of the world's large carnivores. Komodo island, at only 22 miles long, is the largest of the islands where they are found and is home to the largest population of Komodo dragons.

Komodo dragons are fierce predators with a large, muscular tail and long powerful claws. They have durable skin with bony plates that protect them from injuries, scratches and bites. Their saliva has over 50 different strains of bacteria that infect the prey after a bite. Sepsis sets in within hours and death usually occurs within a day or so, with the dragon stalking the dying prey closely. They have been known to eat up to 80% of their body weight in one meal.

Sense of smell is their primary method of detecting food. Using their forked tongues, they test the air for the scent of warm-blooded animals. They have a Jacobson’s organ on the roof of the mouth that analyzes the information from the tongue. If the scent molecules are stronger on the left fork, the prey is on the left. If the scent is stronger on the right fork, they follow in that direction. They can detect the smell of dead or dying animals up to five miles away.

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Can I feed a Komodo dragon at the Zoo?

Yes, you can! Join us for a Komodo dragon Wild Encounter. Click here to learn more.

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Komodo dragon threats in the wild

Climate change is a major threat to their survival. Increasing temperatures and rising sea levels are problematic for the Komodo dragon, as they do not inhabit higher altitude regions of their islands. Some projections have estimated a 71% loss of Komodo dragons by 2050. Ongoing conservation efforts and protection will be paramount for the survival of the species.

They are also the primary predator of these small islands and therefore serve a vital role in the food chain. Zoologists have shown that island species are more likely candidates for extinction than mainland species because of increased vulnerability to disease, competitors, and natural disasters. Farmers clearing land for agriculture and killing Komodo dragons to protect livestock add to their plight. Villagers sometimes poison carrion bait to reduce the population.

On the island of Flores, Komodo habitat is shrinking quickly because of the impact of a human population of approximately two million.

A strong conservation program is an essential element to the survival of this species. Komodo National Park, established in 1980 to protect the species along with strict anti-poaching laws have helped protect the dragons.

How you can help Komodo dragons

• Each year, more than 18,000 people travel to Indonesia to visit sites that still have these animals. Tourism provides an economic incentive for local people to support the Komodo dragon's protection.
  
  
• Enjoy a Komodo dragon Wild Encounter at Chattanooga Zoo. A portion of the proceeds supports Komodo dragon conservation in the wild.
  
  
• Shop smart! Avoid buying products made from animals, which could support poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.
  
  
• Support organizations like Conservation Biology Institute that research better ways to protect and care for endangered species and the Komodo Survival Program that works directly to save Komodo dragons from becoming extinct.