Komodo monitor lizards are considered the largest lizards on the planet. They are often called "land crocodiles" or Komodo dragons. They live on islands in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Interesting find
People learned about giant monitor lizards about 100 years ago. In 1911, they were discovered by the Dutchman Hendrik Arthur van Boss, flying in his plane near the island of Komodo. But suddenly he lost control and fell into the water. The Dutchman was able to swim to the shore. He soon realized that the uninhabited island was inhabited by reptiles unknown to science. The traveler was lucky: he survived and a few months later returned home, where he immediately told about the find.
But no one believed his words. To prove his innocence, Bosse tricked an expedition to the island by cunning. Thanks to this, the whole world learned about the Komodo monitor lizards.
Where dwell
Komodo monitor lizards live on the island of Komodo, lost in the Pacific Ocean, and other small islands close to it. They all belong to Indonesia.
Komodo area is about 400 sq. km. This area is home to approximately 1,700 giant monitor lizards. The island is part of the Komodo National Park, which was founded in 1980. It also includes the islands of Rinka, Padar and a number of smaller ones.
Length and weight
Adults of Komodo monitor lizards usually weigh from 35 to 60 kg. Females are several times smaller than males, whose weight can exceed 70 kg.
The body length of Komodo monitor lizards averages 2.5 m. Half of the length is made up of a powerful tail, which the lizard is capable of delivering strong blows to. But he uses this weapon most often not for hunting, but as self-defense.
Features of the
Unlike real crocodiles, "ground" ones are forbidden to kill for skin or meat. However, this does not make sense, because the skin of Komodo monitors, dark brown with yellowish spots, does not bend and does not lend itself to processing. Under it is a kind of body armor - bone plates. They protect the monitor lizard, making it invulnerable to both insects and enemies from the animal world.
If no one touches the adults, then the young have to flee from snakes, birds of prey and even from their own parents. Komodo monitor lizards do not feel any tender feelings for their offspring, but they can eat it. Therefore, for the first two years, young animals have to hide from adults in trees.
Komodo monitors are excellent swimmers. They willingly enter the sea water and even swim to neighboring islands.
Giant monitor lizards are ruthless hunters. They smell blood at a distance of 5 km. And their teeth are designed in such a way that they can tear into pieces any, even the largest animal. But Komodo monitor lizards do not run so fast: their maximum speed is only 20 km / h.
