SPECIES
Komodo dragon
Varanus komodoensis
The world's largest living lizard is an imposing Indonesian island hunter.
Its long forked tongue detects scent traces while a strong body closes on prey.
It hunts and scavenges, interacting with deer, wild boar and island food webs.
Several Indonesian islands, including Komodo, Rinca and Flores.
Where does a komodo dragon live?
Several Indonesian islands, including Komodo, Rinca and…
Worth knowing
- Adaptation Its long forked tongue detects scent traces while a strong body closes on prey.
- Ecological role It hunts and scavenges, interacting with deer, wild boar and island food webs.
- Home Several Indonesian islands, including Komodo, Rinca and Flores.
How it survives
Its long forked tongue detects scent traces while a strong body closes on prey.
The world's largest living lizard is an imposing Indonesian island hunter.
Why relationships matter
It hunts and scavenges, interacting with deer, wild boar and island food webs.
Where it lives
Several Indonesian islands, including Komodo, Rinca and Flores.
Pressures and responses
Changing island habitat, prey pressure and climate-related risks.
Protect island habitat and manage wildlife tourism carefully.
Sources
- University of Michigan Museum of Zoology — Animal Diversity Web, Varanus komodoensis
- GBIF — Varanus komodoensis accepted taxon
- Smithsonian National Zoo — Tongue-led scent tracking
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance — Young dragons climb trees
- Smithsonian National Zoo — Restricted island range
- National Geographic — Are Komodo dragons endangered?
Records of where it has been seen come live from GBIF; observed interactions from GloBI. Draft — not yet reviewed by a person.