Komodo dragons are the closest thing we have to real-life dinosaurs. They are the heaviest lizards on Earth, but their size is just the beginning of what makes them interesting.
Here are the most fascinating facts about these modern-day monsters.
The “Poisonous Spit” is a Myth (Sort of)
For decades, scientists believed Komodo dragons killed prey because their mouths were so dirty that a single bite caused a death.
- The Truth: In 2009, researchers discovered that Komodo dragons actually possess venom glands.
- How it works: Instead of just infection, they inject a venom that lowers blood pressure, causes massive bleeding, and prevents clotting, sending prey into shock.
Their Appetite is Bottomless
Because they have flexible jaws and expandable stomachs, they can consume 80% of their body weight in a single meal.
They originated in Australia
While they are currently famous for living in Indonesia (specifically Komodo Island and a few neighbors), fossil records show that Komodo dragons actually evolved in Australia before migrating to the Indonesian islands.
They Have a “Sixth Sense” for Carrion
They do not smell with their noses; they use their long, forked yellow tongues to “taste” the air. They can detect a rotting carcass from over 2.5 miles (4 km) away.