Can You Guess How Big Is A Komodo Dragon?

How Big Is a Komodo Dragon – That question might cross your mind as you hear about this species. This wild animal comes from Asia, specifically, Australia. However, the species was mostly found in the northern and western of Flores, precisely on Rinca Island, Komodo Island, and Gili Motang Island. 

For your information, the Komodo Dragon is a preserved rare animal. The population is few. According to the Central Statistical Agency, in 2017 there were only 5.954 Komodo Dragons. That’s why, no wonder the UICN (International Union Conservation of Nature) changed the status of Komodo Dragons from susceptive to endangered.  

If you plan to have a holiday tour to Labuan Bajo to see the Komodo Dragons and are curious about how big is a Komodo Dragon, the following elaboration will give you a clear description. Read along, and get ready to see many jaw-opening facts about this wild animal. 

READ ALSO: Visit Komodo Island for One Day

The Characteristics of Komodo Dragons You Need to Know

At a glance, Komodo Drago is like Monitor Lizard, but bigger in size. So, how big is a Komodo Dragon compared to a human? On average, a Komodo Dragon is 2 to 3 meters in length and up to 100 kilograms in weight. Here are other characteristics of this wonderful rare animal:

The Size and the Form of the Body

As mentioned earlier, a Komodo Dragon is like a Monitor Lizard, yet bigger in size. This wild animal’s body is bigger and longer than its head. Even the tail is as long as its body. Can you imagine how long it is?

The head of the female Komodo Dragon is longwise with small eyes and a mouth a little bit longer to the backward. While the male one’s head is bigger and rounder. 

The Skin

Besides being full of scales, the skin of the Komodo Dragon has folders in the neck, armpit, and the front part of the back thigh. 

However, for the younger Komodo Dragon, their feed is blackish with standout freckles. So now you know the difference between the older and the younger Komodo Dragon. When you see them around on Komodo Island, you will spot which is which. 

The Mouth

This endemic animal has 60 sharp teeth. All teeth are jagged and their length is approximately 2.5 centimeters. In its mouth, the Komodo Dragon produces saliva mixed with blood because the teeth are layered with tissue gum. The tissue has the function of destroying the food. 

The Directorate of Nature Protection and Preservation elaborates more on Komodo Dragons’ characteristics according to their categories:

• Old Komodo Dragon is 2 meters in length or more. Its skin color is dark chocolate or sometimes blackish grey. 
• Adult Komodo Dragon is about 1 to 2 meters in length. Its skin color is a little bit dark chocolate with fading body lines. 
• Young Komodo Dragons is about 1 meter in length. Its skin color is light chocolate to dark chocolate with pink or yellow body lines. 

Interesting Facts about Komodo Dragons

Besides the characteristics above, there are interesting facts about the Komodo Dragon that you might never know yet. What are they? Let’s check this out!

“Ora” is Their Local Name

This wild and unique animal has a local unique name too – “Ora”. Local people call them Ora, or it means crocodile. This is because Komodo Dragons have actually been living with people in their real habitat. 

In 1912, Komodo Dragons were popular because the Dutch Army shot these animals and sent their skin to a researcher named Peter Ouwens to be observed. 

Komodo Dragon Has a Deadly Venom

Not only a snake, but a Komodo Dragon also has a deadly venom. Komodo Dragon’s saliva is able to kill a big animal as a buffalo. Their saliva is kept in the gland that contains poison. This is why when you visit Rinca Island, you need to stay in your group or stay close to the tour guide who knows well about this animal. Komodo Dragon may attack you when it feels bothered. 

The wound caused by Komodo’s bite might not be critical. However, the poison can spread through the body and cause much blood loss, paralysis, tissue damage, and bad pain that causes fainting. 

Komodo Dragon can be a Canibal

This is one thing you must always remember. The Komodo Dragon is not a friendly animal. It is a carnivore that can eat each other when starving. Adult Komodos can attack younger ones and eat them, even their own babies. That is why many young Komodos run or hide from their mothers for protection. 

Does the Komodo Dragon Still Exist Today?

Many people question the existence of the Komodo Dragon today. This animal still does exist on the islands mentioned above. Now you might have another question in your mind, how big is Komodo Dragon egg? Well, on average, one egg is 8.9 cm in length with a diameter of 5.9 cm in length. Those eggs are laid for about 3 months and hatch after 8 or 9 months. The babies of Komodo Dragons usually hatch in March to April. 

Unfortunately, from time to time, the Komodo Dragons’ existence is endangered. According to the Journal of Ecology and Evolution, this wild animal will be extinct in 2050. So, it also depends on us how we can preserve these rare animals. For example, not hunting them, then kill them for their skin.

The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) suggests the government of Indonesia do what is necessary to preserve the Komodo dragon’s existence.

Now, are you ready now to meet the Komodo Dragon face to face? It would be great to see them by yourself. If so far you only hear and watch them on TV. It is time for you to see them with bare eyes. This way, you will not be curious anymore about how big is a Komodo Dragon, because you can watch them closely.  Stay close to the tour guide and follow his instructions to have a safe and comfortable moment with these rare and wild animals.