a Komodo dragon

Komodo dragon

A Komodo dragon photographed at Houston Zoo in Texas.

Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark

Reaching up to 10 feet in length and more than 300 pounds, Komodo dragons are the heaviest lizards on Earth. They have long, flat heads with rounded snouts, scaly skin, bowed legs, and huge, muscular tails.

Komodo dragons have thrived in the harsh climate of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands for millions of years. They prefer the islands’ tropical forests but can be found across the islands. Though these athletic reptiles can walk up to seven miles per day, they prefer to stay close to home—rarely venturing far from the valleys in which they hatched.

Once a year, when they’re ready to mate, female Komodo dragons give off a scent in their feces for males to follow. When

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