The
Komodo dragon (
Varanus komodoensis), also known as the Komodo monitor, is a species of
monitor lizard in the family
Varanidae that is
endemic to the Indonesian islands of
Komodo,
Rinca,
Flores, and
Gili Motang. It is the
largest extant species of lizard, growing to a maximum length of 3 metres (10 ft), and weighing up to approximately 70 kilograms (150 lb). The Komodo dragon prefers hot and dry places, and typically lives in dry, open
grassland,
savanna, and
tropical forest at low elevations. As an
ectotherm, it is most active in the day, although it exhibits some
nocturnal activity. Komodo dragons are solitary, coming together only to breed and eat. They are capable of running rapidly in brief sprints up to 20 km/h (12 mph), diving up to 4.5 metres (15 ft), and climbing trees proficiently when young through use of their strong claws. To catch out-of-reach prey, it may stand on its hind legs and use its tail as a support. As it matures, its claws are used primarily as weapons, as its great size makes climbing impractical. This photograph of two Komodo dragons fighting was taken on the island of Rinca, within
Komodo National Park.
Photograph credit: Charles J. Sharp