The Komodo dragon is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2–3 metres (6 ft 7 in – 9 ft 10 in). Komodo dragons are a member of the monitor lizard family and only inhabit the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Padar, Flores, Gili Motang, Owadi, and Samiin in eastern Indonesia. In the wild, large adults tend to weigh around 70 kilograms (154 pounds). Their saliva will frequently be blood-tinged, because their teeth are almost completely covered by gingival tissue and this tissue is naturally lacerated during feeding. Komodo Dragons are carnivorous. Although they eat mostly carrion, studies show that they also hunt live prey. When suitable prey arrives near its ambush site, it will suddenly charge at the animal and go for the underside or the throat. (Read more...)