Komodo Dragon: Apex Lizard of Indonesia

Komodo dragons grow up to 3 meters and weigh 150 kilograms.

Komodo dragons live only on Komodo and nearby Indonesian islands.

Komodo dragons are apex predators dominating their ecosystem.

Adult Komodo dragons mainly eat deer and wild pigs.

Young Komodo dragons live in trees to avoid being eaten by adults.

Young Komodo dragons try to repel adult predators by rolling in feces.

Komodo dragons lay up to 20 eggs in nests or self-dug holes.

Eggs are incubated for seven to eight months, hatching in April when insects are most plentiful.

Komodo dragons were first documented by Europeans in 1910, and widespread notoriety came after 1912.

In the Komodo language, the dragons are called 'sebae' meaning 'twins', reflecting a traditional belief.

The Baar people, who speak the Baar dialect of Riung language, call the Komodo dragon 'mbau'.

Komodo dragons are listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List due to human encroachment and climate change.

They are protected under Indonesian law, and the Komodo National Park was founded in 1980 to aid protection efforts.

Komodo dragons remain the ultimate lizards in their Indonesian home, captivating visitors and researchers alike.