Tolin's 2024 World Cruise blog posts, Day 51 Feb 29, 2024, Komodo National Park, AU, The Rulers of Rinca Island
The Komodo dragon ( Varanus komodoensis ), also known as the Komodo monitor , is a member of the monitor lizard family Varanidae that is endemic to the Indonesian islands of Komodo , Rinca , Flores , and Gili Motang . It is the largest extant species of lizard , growing to a maximum length of 9.8 feet, and weighing up to 150 lbs. Komodo dragons are an endangered species and require conservation efforts to protect their population. Habitat loss and poaching are the main threats to Komodo dragon survival. Conservation initiatives should focus on preserving their natural habitats and implementing strict anti-poaching measures . As a result of their size, Komodo dragons are apex predators , and dominate the ecosystems in which they live. Komodo dragons hunt and ambush prey including invertebrates , birds, and mammals . Komodo dragons' group behavior in hunting is exceptional in the reptile world. The diet of Komodo dragons mainly consists of Javan rusa ( Rusa ti