What is a komodo dragon?

The Komodo dragon is a giant monitor lizard found mainly on Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and nearby islands in Indonesia. It is an apex predator and scavenger, feeding on deer, birds, pigs, and carrion. Komodo dragons use a combination of serrated teeth, powerful jaws, and a venomous bite that contributes to blood loss and shock in prey. They were first described by science in the early 20th century, and their habitat is protected in Komodo National Park. Because their range is small and threatened by habitat loss and climate change, they are listed as vulnerable.