Quck answer
Komodo dragons’ mouths are not deadlier than cobras’ venom. While Komodo dragons have powerful jaws and sharp teeth, their saliva does not contain deadly bacteria. Instead, they use their bite to injure their prey and then wait for the victim to die from infection or blood loss. Cobras, on the other hand, have venom that can directly affect the victim’s nervous system and cause rapid paralysis and death. In summary, while both Komodo dragons and cobras are dangerous predators, cobras’ venom is a more potent weapon than the Komodo dragon’s bite.
Animal Facts
A Komodo dragon is seen patrolling the shores of Komodo Island, Indonesia.
Jose Azel/Aurora/Getty Images
Five scuba divers were stranded for 12 hours in shark-infested waters after being carried away from their dive boat by strong currents in June 2008. Finally making it to land, they thought they were safe until they discovered they were on Rinca Island, Indonesia, one of the few remaining habitats of wild Komodo dragons. The divers spent two days keeping a Komodo dragon at bay until they were rescued from the deserted island [source: BBC News].
Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis), the largest lizards in the world, are infamous for their ferocity. They can attack and kill a human unprovoked and are part of the monitor lizard family. The biggest recorded Komodo dragon measured over 10 feet (3 meters) long and weighed 366 pounds (166 kilograms) [source: UKTV]. Although the average size of a Komodo dragon in the wild is around 8 feet (2.5 meters) long and 200 pounds (91 kilograms) [source: Honolulu Zoo], they are incredibly powerful. For instance, it takes two people to hold down a 120-pound (54-kilogram) Komodo’s tail when it needs a blood test at the London Zoo [source: BBC News].
With a diet that includes chickens, wild boar, deer, goats, and even water buffalo, the Komodo dragon can swallow huge pieces of meat at a time due to its flexible jaw and skull, which are similar to a snake’s. It can also consume up to 80 percent of its body weight in just 20 minutes [source: Honolulu Zoo]. The Komodo dragon is the only lizard that attacks prey larger than itself, and it even attacks other Komodo dragons, making up about ten percent of its diet [source: Honolulu Zoo].
The Komodo dragon’s hunting tactics are lethal, and there are few animals that can survive an attack. Humans and other Komodo dragons are among the only survivors. Unfortunately, the Komodo dragon is an endangered species, with only about 4,000 remaining in the wild and at the top of the food chain in its native habitat [source: Honolulu Zoo].
What makes the Komodo dragon so deadly? Find out in the next section.
The Virgin Komodo
In May 2006, a Komodo dragon at the Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom laid eggs without ever mating with a male, marking the first known instance of parthenogenesis, or virgin birth, in the species [source: UKTV].
FAQ
1. What are the Komodo dragons?
Komodo dragons are the largest species of lizards and are found in the Indonesian islands.
2. Are Komodo dragons venomous?
No, Komodo dragons are not venomous. They have bacteria in their saliva that can cause infection, but it is not lethal like venom.
3. What is the venom of a cobra?
The venom of a cobra is a neurotoxin which attacks the nervous system of the prey, causing paralysis and eventually death.
4. How does the bite of a Komodo dragon compare to the venom of a cobra?
The bite of a Komodo dragon is not lethal like the venom of a cobra. However, their saliva contains bacteria that can cause infection, leading to death if untreated.
5. Can Komodo dragons kill humans?
While it is rare for Komodo dragons to attack humans, they are capable of killing humans with their powerful jaws and sharp claws.
6. How do Komodo dragons hunt?
Komodo dragons hunt by ambushing their prey and using their powerful jaws and sharp claws to kill it. They are also known to follow their prey until it becomes weak and then attack.
7. Are Komodo dragons endangered?
Yes, Komodo dragons are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, hunting, and poaching.
8. How long can Komodo dragons live?
Komodo dragons can live up to 30 years in the wild and up to 40 years in captivity.
9. Do Komodo dragons have any predators?
Large birds of prey, such as eagles, are the only known predators of adult Komodo dragons. Young Komodo dragons may be preyed upon by other predators, such as snakes and large mammals.
10. How fast can Komodo dragons run?
Komodo dragons can run up to 12 miles per hour in short bursts.
11. Can Komodo dragons swim?
Yes, Komodo dragons are excellent swimmers and can swim up to 300 meters in open water.
12. Are Komodo dragons kept in zoos?
Yes, Komodo dragons are kept in zoos around the world for conservation and educational purposes.
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