Incredible Komodo Dragon Facts That Prove Nature Is Wilder Than Fiction

The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is the largest reptile on the planet. These massive monitor lizards can grow to over 10 feet in length and weigh upwards of 300 pounds. They are classified as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List, with fewer than 1,400 mature dragons living in the wild. Komodo dragons are found exclusively on five islands in Indonesia. Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was created by the Indonesian government in 1980 to aid conservation efforts for this iconic reptile. Keep reading to discover 10 fascinating facts about Komodo dragons.

1. Komodo Dragons Are Venomous

The predatory abilities of Komodo dragons have been of considerable interest to both researchers and wildlife enthusiasts since their discovery in 1910. Komodo dragons have over 50 types of bacteria in their saliva, some of which have been known to cause sepsis. Their infectious saliva was initially thought to be their primary method of dispatching prey. However, in 2009, researchers found that Komodo dragons are also venomous. They have mandibular venom glands that contain toxic proteins and enzymes, including anticoagulants. Their sharp, serrated teeth inflict deep wounds, making it easier for venom to enter the prey’s bloodstream. The resulting blood loss and a debilitating drop in blood pressure lead to shock and, ultimately, death.

2. Komodo Dragon Blood May Counteract Antibiotic Resistance

Komodo dragons are resistant to the poisonous bacteria in their own saliva and that of other dragons, prompting researchers to wonder why. Scientists discovered 48 antimicrobial peptides with germ-killing properties in Komodo dragon blood. Eight of those peptides were tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, which desperately need more effective antibiotics, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Researchers created a synthetic peptide called DRGN-1 based on a Komodo dragon peptide. Laboratory tests showed wounds treated with DRGN-1 healed significantly faster than untreated wounds or those treated with similar drugs. Scientists hope to find other antimicrobial peptides in Komodo dragon blood that lead to the development of new antibiotics.

3. Komodo Dragons Have an Acute Sense of Smell

The Komodo dragon primarily uses its sense of smell to detect food. They have long, narrow, forked tongues that they use to sample chemicals in the air. They touch their tongues to the Jacobson’s organs in the roofs of their mouths, which analyze the scent particles to help them locate and track prey. Some sources indicate that their sense of smell is so powerful, they can detect the scent of carrion from as far away as 6.8 miles.

4. They Have Been Known to Dig Up Human Graves

As opportunistic scavengers, Komodo dragons are not averse to eating human flesh if that is what is available. Their keen sense of smell sometimes leads them to dig up shallow graves and eat corpses. Locals are said to have begun moving their burial sites to clay ground, digging deeper burial plots, and placing rocks on top of the graves to prevent Komodo dragons from plundering their cemeteries in search of food. However, Komodo dragon attacks on live humans are rare. Officials at Komodo National Park have reported only 31 attacks on humans from 1974-2017, five of which were fatal.

5. Komodo Dragons Have a Third Eye

Like many other lizards, Komodo dragons have a third eye. Also called the parietal or pineal eye, it is located on top of their heads beneath a scale. This organ can detect light, as well as changes in direction and intensity. This aids in thermoregulation, as light levels affect basking behaviors, activity levels, and thermal tolerance. The parietal eye connects to the pineal gland, which regulates serotonin and melatonin production, impacting the sleep cycle. Some researchers suggest it can even help lizards navigate using the sun as a compass.

6. Female Komodo Dragons Don’t Need a Male to Reproduce

In 2006, researchers discovered that female Komodo dragons can either reproduce sexually or asexually, depending on whether there is an available male. These independent lady lizards can reproduce on their own via a process called parthenogenesis. This means their eggs can develop into viable embryos without being fertilized by a male dragon. Female dragons have both male (ZZ) and female (WZ) sex chromosomes. When reproducing without a male, the female duplicates her chromosomes. Eggs that receive two Z chromosomes develop into males, while eggs that receive two W chromosomes are not viable. Because all offspring produced through parthenogenesis are male, this process can negatively impact genetic diversity over time.

7. Komodo Dragons Aren’t as Slow as They Look

While Komodo dragons may sometimes give the impression of being slow-moving, lazy lizards, they can actually move quickly if the need arises. When motivated, Komodo dragons can reportedly reach speeds of 10-13mph. As the average human runs around 5-6mph and can sprint up to around 15mph, a Komodo dragon in its native habitat is likely going to have an advantage. Like all monitor lizards, Komodo dragons can also swim. They have been known to swim at least 0.25 miles between islands in search of food or mates.

8. Their Scales Are Like Chain Mail

Underneath their scales, Komodo dragons have tiny bones embedded in their skin called osteoderms. Although other lizards have osteoderms, their armor is not as elaborate. Komodo dragons have four differently-shaped plates protecting nearly their entire bodies, while other lizards have only patches made of one or two shapes. They are not born with these plates; rather, they develop over time, possibly adding more layers as they mature. However, as apex predators in their ecosystem, what do they need protection from? Researchers believe the answer is other Komodo dragons.

9. Komodo Dragons Are Cannibals

Research has shown that conspecifics are the fifth most common prey for adult Komodo dragons. However, juveniles have several strategies to avoid being eaten. When the baby Komodos hatch, they immediately climb a convenient tree. Adult dragons are typically too large to climb trees. Young dragons remain arboreal until they reach about four years of age or grow to around four feet long, at which point they are too large to be easily preyed upon. Juvenile Komodo dragons will also roll around in feces so adult dragons ignore their scent. Young dragons perform rituals of appeasement as well. This involves ceremoniously walking around a feeding circle with their mouths closed and their tails extended straight behind them.

10. They Throw Up Their Stomach Contents to Escape Threats

Komodo dragons’ stomachs can expand, allowing them to eat up to 80% of their own body weight in one sitting. However, they have slow metabolisms. At normal body temperatures, it can take a dragon around 26 hours to digest its food. However, cooler temperatures can delay digestion for up to five days. If a Komodo dragon is threatened before digestion is complete, it can regurgitate the contents of its stomach to drop the extra weight and quickly escape.