Varana Komodo: description and photo

Varan Komodo - amazing and trulyA unique animal, which is not without reason called the dragon. The largest of the existing lizards spends most of the time hunting. It is an object of pride of the islanders and the constant interest of tourists.

Our article will tell you about the life of this dangerous predator, the peculiarities of its behavior and characteristic features of the species.

Appearance

The photos of Komodo lizards, given in our article, help to understand why the local nicknamed this reptile the land crocodile. These animals are really comparable in size.

Most adult Komodo lobes in lengthreaches 2.5 meters, while their weight hardly exceeds half a centner. But among the giants there are record holders. There is reliable information about the Komod dragon, whose length exceeded 3 meters, and the weight reached 150 kg.

Visually distinguish the male from the female under the force onlyspecialist. Sexual dimorphism is almost not expressed, but male lobes are usually slightly more massive. But to determine which of the two lizards are older in age, any tourist who has arrived to the island for the first time will be able to: the young are always painted brighter. In addition, with age, on the tarnished skin, wrinkles and leathery growths are formed.

The body of the monitor is squat, stocky, with very powerful limbs. The tail is mobile and strong. Paws are crowned with huge claws.

A huge mouth looks menacing, even when the monitor is calm. A sharp bifurcated language, now and again emerging from it, many eyewitnesses call creepy and frightening.

History

Giant lizards on the island of Komodo were first discovered in the early twentieth century. Since then, scientists continue to explore the species.

It is established that the history of evolution and evolutionvaranov connected with Australia. The species separated from the historical ancestor approximately 40 million years ago, then emigrated to the remote mainland and nearby islands.

Later, the population shifted to the islands of Indonesia. Perhaps this is due to natural phenomena or a decline in the populations of species that are of food interest to the lizards. In any case, the fauna of Australia from such a resettlement has only won - many species literally escaped from extinction. But Indonesian dwarf elephants are unlucky: many scientists associate their extinction with predators of the genus Varanus.

The largest modern lizard successfully mastered new territories and feels great.

Features of behavior

Varanas lead a daily life, and at nightprefer to sleep. Like the rest of the cold-blooded, they are sensitive to temperature changes. The time of the hunt comes with the dawn. Leading a single way of life lizards are not averse to joining forces during the chase of the game.

It may seem that the Komodo lizards -sluggish fatties, but this is far from the case. These animals are extremely hardy, mobile and strong. They are able to reach speeds of up to 20 km / h, and during their run, as they say, the earth trembles. Equally confident dragons feel themselves in the water: to swim to the neighboring island for them is not a problem. Sharp nails, strong musculature and tail-balancer help these animals to climb beautifully through trees and steep rocks. Needless to say, how hard is it to get away from the lizard of the victim he laid his eyes on?

Dragon Life

The adult Komodo lizards live separately from each other.friend. But once a year the pack converges. The period of love and creation of families begins with bloody battles in which it is impossible to simply lose. The fight can end with either victory or death from wounds.

No other animal for the monitor is dangerous. In the natural habitat these animals do not know anyone stronger than themselves. People do not hunt them either. Only another dragon can kill a dragon.

Marriage Games of the Titans

The victorious winner may choose a friend,with whom he will have kids. The couple will equip the nest, the female will guard eggs for about eight months, which can be attacked by small night predators. By the way, the relatives also do not mind eating such a delicacy. But as soon as the babies are born, their mother will leave. They will have to survive on their own, relying only on the ability to disguise themselves and run around.

Constant pairs of lizards do not form. The next breeding season will start from scratch - that is, with new battles in which more than one dragon will die.

Varan Komodo on the hunt

This animal is a real machine for killing. The giant lizards of the island of Komodo can attack even those who greatly exceed them in size, for example, buffalo. After the death of the victim comes a feast. Varans eat carcass, tearing and swallowing huge pieces.

It is noteworthy that most predatorsprefers one thing - or fresh meat, or carrion. The digestive system of the monitor is able to cope with both. The Giants gladly savor the carcasses brought by the sea.

Murderous Poison

Powerful jaws, musculature and claws - notthe only weapon of the lizard. A real pearl of the arsenal can be called a unique saliva. It contains not only huge doses of pathogenic microflora (probably obtained by eating decay), but also poison.

For a long time scientists were sure thatThe death of a bitten victim comes from banal sepsis. But recently, the presence of toxic glands was established. The amount of poison is small, instant death only causes small animals. But the dose is sufficient to trigger irreversible processes.

Varanas are not only excellent tactics, but also delightful strategists. They know how to wait, sometimes wandering around the victim for 2-3 weeks and watching her slowly die.

Coexistence with man

A logical question arises as to whetherVaran Komodo kill a woman, a man or a teenager? The answer, unfortunately, is positive. Lethality of the bite of a monitor exceeds 90%. Especially dangerous is the poison for the child.

But modern medicine has an antidote. Therefore, in the case of an unsuccessful attempt to make friends with the monitor, we must immediately go to the hospital. The death of a person from a bite in our time is not such a widespread phenomenon. As a rule, it comes when a person hopes that he will be able to cope with a malaise. Doctors are strongly advised not to take risks, human immunity is not designed for such loads as the poison of an exotic lizard.

Remember this should not only tourists, but alsothose who decided to settle an unusual pet at home. In the department of resuscitation of the regional hospital may simply not be the necessary antidote, so a preliminary consultation with a competent breeder is extremely necessary.

Varan in the reserve

No matter how sad it may sound, a formidable predatortakes its place in the Red Book. Varanas are protected at the state level. But the islands of Komodo, Flores, Gili Motang and Rincha created huge reserves, in which the giants live in their own fun. Despite the protection and work of a team of professionals, attacks on people are sometimes recorded. Often this is due to excessive human attention to the trapezed or fighting predators. A camera flash or noise can trigger an attack.

Therefore, if you intend to admire the Komodo lizards, observe the rules of the reserve and listen to the advice of the instructor.