When the Komodo dragon was first discovered, it was called the crocodile of the land, which is not far off, as it is protected by a thick, scaly skin and has a body shape reminiscent of a crocodile. The biggest difference is longer and more well-developed legs, which enable it to move quickly on land.
Komodo dragons can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh up to 80 kilos, and despite their size, they can move at speeds of up to 20 km per hour.
In addition to carrion, Komodo dragons also hunt a wide range of prey, from rodents to wild boars, goats, and deer. Komodo dragons may appear 'toothless' at first glance, but they actually have a set of very sharp teeth, which are used to wound and kill prey and to tear chunks from a kill or found carrion.
Komodo dragons can smell carrion from a great distance, and prey is often caught by lying in wait and then using their speed to catch or wound the animals.
