Komodo Dragon
(Varanus komodoensis)
Native to the Islands of Indonesia.
Ranges from 2.29 - 2.59m (7.5 - 8.5ft). Largest measured specimens exceeded 3m (10ft) in length.
Feeds mainly on Javan Rusa (Deer), though it also eats Invertebrates, Birds, other Mammals, and Carrion.
Lives up to 30 years.
These reptiles have teeth that are flattened, recurved, and have serrated crowns, the same kind of tooth shape observed in many extinct theropod dinosaurs! What’s more is, in fairly recent studies, they found that their tooth serrations and tips have an orange iron-enriched coating!
Its mouth is quite the mystery. It was once thought that bacteria in its mouth brought prey down, but it turns out their mouths are clean! And while they do have venom glands with several toxins, there is no evidence that it actually uses this venom as no serious venomous effects on prey have been observed.
Its blood is quite unique as well, containing a powerful antibacterial peptide that has been isolated by researchers. It appears to be capable of killing drug-resistant bacterial strains, even some fungi, and has been observed promoting wound healing.
