Komodo Dragon

 

Ok I mentioned the Komodo dragon last week, so this week I write a bit more about them.

Their venom lowers blood pressure, prevents clotting, and induces shock.

They rely on camouflage and patience, then strike with serrated teeth and powerful neck muscles. They dominate their ecosystems, feeding on deer, pigs, carrion, and even other dragons. Also, they can run quickly in short bursts and walk up to 7 miles a day.

Komodo dragons reproduce sexually, but females can also reproduce asexually through parthenogenesis — producing sons without a male present. It’s one of the most fascinating reproductive quirks in the reptile world. Their eggs incubate for 7–8 months, the hatchlings live in trees to avoid being eaten by adults, yeah you read that right they are cannibalistic. It takes 8–9 years for them to mature and can live up to 30 years.

Komodo dragons are listed as Endangered due to habitat loss and climate change pressures.