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| Komodo dragon | |
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| Species: | V. komodoensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Varanus komodoensis Ouwens, 1912 | |
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| Komodo dragon distribution | |
The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a species of monitor lizard. They live in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rincah, Flores, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami.
It is the largest living lizard. They grow to a length of 2–3 meters (about 6.5–10 ft) and weigh around 70 kg (154 pounds). Komodo dragon bites can be very dangerous, and they sometimes attack people.
Western scientists first saw Komodo dragons in 1910. They are very popular animals in zoos because they are big and look scary. The lizards are in some danger. There are very few Komodo dragons still alive on their home islands. Indonesian law does not allow hunting these lizards. Komodo National Park was made to help protect Komodo dragons.
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