If you thought alligators were scary, wait until you see this predator! The unstoppable Komodo dragon is chasing a frightened deer, who runs right into the ocean. At first glance, it appears the enormous dragon will lose its meal. However, within seconds, we realize this fierce lizard has no trouble plunging into the water, regardless of how intense the struggle may become. Follow along to learn more about the impressive Komodo dragon, and see the footage for yourself!
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Do Komodo Dragons Usually Eat Deer?
Does the Komodo dragon need to eat a whole deer? No, but it can and definitely will. Komodo dragons can consume up to 80% of their body weight in a single meal. And they’re happy to do so when the opportunity presents itself. However, they don’t need to eat that much. They can survive on 30 pounds of meat per month.
A Komodo dragon’s diet includes a variety of animals, from small rodents to large water buffalo. And they find these meals in a variety of tropical habitats. Komodo dragons live in tropical savanna forests ranging from beaches to ridge tops. Ridge tops are elevated areas along the points of mountains and hills.
Komodo Scales and Speed
Watching the video below makes it hard to tell just how rough the lizard’s skin is. But trust us, it’s rougher than the toughest sandpaper. These reptiles have thick, rough outer skin with thousands of bones underneath called osteoderms. Touching the scales would be similar to feeling rough, textured armor.
Along with being plated in armor, Komodos are also the largest lizards in the world, and they’re super fast. These reptiles can run up to 13 mph. As for defenses, they can throw up the contents of their stomachs within seconds to make a speedy escape should the need arise.
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Biting and Pulling: Komodo Dragon Style
Crocodiles, alligators, and Komodo dragons are large reptiles capable of killing prey as big as deer. But they go about it in very different ways. Unlike alligators or crocodiles, Komodo dragons don’t rely heavily on a strong bite force. Instead, they use their pulling skills to eat their food effectively.
Komodo dragons have a special way of eating that involves biting and pulling. Research has shown that they are particularly good at pulling down and back. This helps them gain the advantage while also removing flesh from their prey.
What other advantages does the Komodo dragon have when hunting? There are quite a few!
Komodo dragons use their sense of smell and long, forked tongues to detect prey. Once they find a tasty meal, they have everything they need to make the kill, including humongous teeth. Their large, curved teeth are arguably their deadliest weapon. And as if their size, senses, and strength weren’t enough of an advantage, they also have a venom gland in their lower jaw. The venom prevents blood clotting and induces shock.
The wildlife footage below shows an unstoppable Komodo dragon making a meal out of a deer. Feel free to take a look for yourself! It’s fascinating.
NOTE – This article was originally published in a-z-animals and can be viewed here
