Are there Komodo dragons in Indonesia?
Komodo dragons are only found in the wild on a handful of Indonesian islands where they are estimated to have roamed for millions of years. They draw visitors from around the world and in recent years authorities have grappled with how to manage conservation and tourism in the national park.
Where is Komodo Island in Indonesia?
Komodo, island of the Lesser Sunda Islands, Nusa Tenggara Timur provinsi (province), Indonesia. The island, which has an area of approximately 200 square miles (520 square km), lies on the Sape Strait between Flores and Sumbawa islands. It is rather hilly, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,700 feet (825 metres).
What kind of habitat do Komodo dragons live in?
tropical savanna forests
They live in tropical savanna forests but range widely over the islands, from beach to ridge top. Komodo dragons eat almost any kind of meat, scavenging for carcasses or stalking animals that range in size from small rodents to large water buffalo.
Do Komodo dragons swim from island to island?
Aside from their prowess in the running department, Komodo dragons are also known for being able to swim up to 300 meters. This is how they are able to move between neighboring islands.
How many Komodo dragons are in Indonesia?
The last reputable study, in 2014, concluded that there were 3,000 in the wild, but other estimates range as high as 6,000. Besides Komodo Island, the lizards are found on Rinca, Gili Motang and Nusa Kode islands. All lie within the national park, established in 1980.
Why do Komodo dragons live in Indonesia?
Habitat. Komodo dragons have thrived in the harsh climate of Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands for millions of years. They prefer the islands’ tropical forests but can be found across the islands.
Where is the Komodo dragon natural habitat?
What does Komodo mean in Indonesian?
Komodo dragon
Filters. An island in Indonesia, part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. pronoun. A Komodo dragon.
How do Komodo dragons survive in their habitat?
Komodo dragons have adapted the ability to regulate their body temperatures. If they are cold they bask in the sun, whereas if they are warm they go into the shade to cool their bodies down. Komodo dragons can hear and see, but they use their tongue as their main sense.
Where do Komodo dragons get water?
Because the Komodo dragon does not have a diaphragm, it cannot suck water when drinking, nor can it lap water with its tongue. Instead, it drinks by taking a mouthful of water, lifting its head, and letting the water run down its throat.