Komodo Dragon:
The Indonesian government is proposing partial closures of Komodo National Park in 2025 to ease the strain from the increasing number of visitors drawn to its unique ecosystem.
- Komodo Dragon is the largest extant lizard species.
- Scientific Name: Varanus komodoensis
- It is a monitor lizard of the family Varanidae.
- It occurs on Komodo Island and a few neighbouring islands of the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia.
- The lizard grows to 3 metres (10 feet) in total length and attains a weight of about 135 kg (about 300 pounds).
- Their tongues are yellow and forked.
- Adults are an almost-uniform stone color with distinct, large scales, while juveniles may display a more vibrant color and pattern.
- Although most young are produced through sexual reproduction, females that are isolated from males sometimes produce offspring through parthenogenesis.
- They are well-known for their venomous bite, which contains toxins that cause massive blood loss and shock in their prey.
- They can run swiftly and occasionally attack and kill human beings.
- Lifespan: 30 years
- Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Endangered
