Komodo dragons are the largest lizards on earth, reaching 10 feet (about 3 meters) in length and about 200 pounds (about 90 kg) in weight. In a single meal, a komodo dragon can consume about 80% of its body weight. It is a ferocious hunter and can burst to speeds of about 11 mph (about 18 kph), which is useful when hunting prey such as deer.
More about the komodo dragon:
- The komodo dragon is one of the most efficient large predators, consuming about 88% of its prey, including bones and hooves. In contrast, a lion leaves behind 30 to 35 percent of its kill.
- Komodo dragons primarily use their keen sense of smell to hunt although vision also plays a part as they can see objects more than 980 feet (300 meters) away.
- When threatened, a komodo dragon can throw up the contents of its stomach to lessen its weight and get away.