Komodo dragon
Varanus komodoensis
Animal facts
Komodo dragons have saliva laced with deadly bacteria. Having ambushed their prey, they often wait for the animal to die from the infections caused by the wounds. Young dragons hatch from eggs and live in trees for up to five years to escape adult dragons who might eat them.
Where they live
The Indonesian Islands of Komodo, Western Flores, Rinca and Padar
Habitat
Scrubby hillsides, open woodland, dry river beds
What they eat
Wild pigs, water buffalo, deer
IUCN status
Vulnerable
