Komodo dragon big beautiful lizards - mini documentary

The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard in the world and an impressive example of evolutionary adaptation. These majestic reptiles are endemic to several Indonesian islands such as Komodo, Rinca, Flores and Gili Motang. With a length of up to three metres and a weight of over 70 kilograms, they dominate their ecosystem as apex predators. Their muscular bodies, sharp claws and powerful tails make them efficient hunters, while their armoured, bony scales provide protection from rivals and prey. Komodo dragons have sophisticated sensory organs: with their forked tongue, they can detect odour particles in the air and locate prey over kilometres. For a long time, their bacteria-laden saliva secretion was considered a deadly weapon, as bitten animals often died from infections. However, more recent studies point to venom-producing glands in the lower jaw that secrete anticoagulant toxins. This mixture of mechanical injury and biological ‘chemical weapon’ makes them feared hunters.
Their prey ranges from deer and wild boar to water buffalo. Cannibalism also occurs, which is why young animals often climb trees to escape adult monitor lizards. After a meal, they can devour up to 80 % of their body weight and digest bones almost completely thanks to extremely acidic gastric juices. If food is scarce, they can survive for months with minimal energy consumption.
Females lay up to 30 eggs, which incubate for eight months. Remarkable is their ability to parthenogenesis - females can produce offspring without males to ensure the survival of the species. Juveniles are vulnerable to predators and spend their first years in trees.
As ecosystem engineers, Komodo dragons regulate the populations of their prey and prevent overgrazing. What a fascinating animal. Have you ever seen a Komodo dragon? I would really appreciate a like and a subscription.

I am constantly creating videos about mythical creatures and general facts about animals.

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