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Varanus komodoensis |
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The largest lizard in the world is the Komodo dragon, a type of monitor lizard with ancestors that date back more than 100 million years, but not discovered by scientist until 1910. The Komodo dragon uses their long, yellow-colored forked tongue to pick up smells in the air. When the dragon attacks with its sharp teeth, their bite contains deadly bacteria. Komodo dragons are meat eaters and will even fight each other for the best piece. They can weigh up to 176 lbs., reach 10 ft. in length, and will live approximately 50 years in the wild. Dominating the ecosystem, the Komodo dragon inhabits the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Padar, Flores, Gili Motang, Owadi, and Samiin in central Indonesia. There are about 4,000-5,000 living Komodo dragons. Volcanic activity, earthquakes, loss of habitat, fires, loss of prey, tourism, and poaching have all contributed to the diminishing dragon. Commercial trade of their skin or specimens is illegal.
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Critically Threatened |
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To prevent the Komodo dragon from suffocating while swallowing large pieces of meat, it breathes through a small tube located under its tongue and connects to their lungs. |
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