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| The large, curved claws are used in self-defense as well as to eat food |
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Suborder : Lacertilia
Family : Varanidae
Genus : Varanus
Genus : Varanus
Protection status : Vulnerable
Diet : Carnivore
Habitat : They live in hot and dry places, open grasslands and
mostly in lowlands.
Komodo dragons are the largest
and heaviest lizards in the world. They are native to Indonesia and inhabit
just four islands: Flores, Pandar, Rintja and the Komodo island. The scientific
name of Komodo dragon is Varanus komodoensis. Komodo dragons are also called as
Komodo monitors, Giant monitors, Land crocodiles and Oras. Their life
expectancy is upto 20 - 40 years. Their sense of smell is the primary method of
detecting food.
The
Komodo dragon's saliva contains different strains of toxic bacteria that cause
deadly infections in the prey. When it bites the prey, it injects the victim
with a venom. Though the prey may not succumb to its injuries right away, the
patient Komodo keeps following the animal with its immense sense of smell and
eventually claims its victim.
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Photos were taken at Columbus Zoo, Ohio.
If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to this blog by clicking here.
Photos were taken at Columbus Zoo, Ohio.
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