{"id":121,"date":"2021-06-28T06:51:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-28T06:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/reptilefollower.com\/?p=121"},"modified":"2022-07-21T15:30:44","modified_gmt":"2022-07-21T15:30:44","slug":"lace-monitor-lizard-vs-komodo-dragon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reptilefollower.com\/lace-monitor-lizard-vs-komodo-dragon\/","title":{"rendered":"Can a Komodo Dragon Kill a Human? (+ Monitor Lizard Comparison)"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are interested in Komodo Dragons or researching them you may be wondering if they are dangerous to us humans…<\/p>\n

Can a Komodo dragon kill a human?<\/h2>\n

A Komodo Dragon can kill a human. In fact, one of the known fatalities was back in 2007 when an 8-year boy was attacked by one. In general, the attacks are deemed rare, but they can kill and will if they have to. So, this why most people would class them as dangerous.<\/strong><\/p>\n

So, now you know. But, could a Komodo Dragon be kept as a pet? What are the effects of their bite? How do they compare to a Lace Monitor lizard? Keep reading for these answers, and much more…<\/p>\n\n

Can a Komodo Dragon become a pet?<\/h2>\n
\"Can

A Gray Komodo Dragon crawling onto a rock.<\/p><\/div>\n

Komodo Dragons cannot be considered pets for several reasons. Firstly, they are classed as “vulnerable”<\/a>, meaning they are one stage from being endangered, their size is not practical for most homes, and their diet and upkeep require an advanced keeper.<\/p>\n

Also, there are restrictions on removing these animals from their natural environment. This is to keep them safe while they are classed as vulnerable, or worse in the future.<\/p>\n

Could a lion or tiger hunt a komodo dragon?<\/h2>\n

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A lion or tiger could likely hunt a Komodo Dragon. But, it’s not proven or likely to be an easy fight for either of them. Why? Because a Komodo Dragon is very large and will defend itself quite well if it is provoked.<\/p>\n

The reality is a lion or tiger would prefer to avoid it and choose an easier target. They aim to feed themselves and avoid getting injured. Meaning, they would prefer an easier target that will feed them and allow them to hunt another day easily.<\/p>\n

How do Komodo Dragons kill their prey?<\/h2>\n

Komodo Dragons kill their prey using their teeth and claws. This vicious attack causes deep cuts to their victim causing substantial blood loss. There are other theories that they cause bacterial infection in the attack or even inject venom.<\/p>\n

However, the latter, bacteria, and venom is hotly debated. Some agree this is their main method of causing fatalities, but others disagree and claim there is no supporting evidence.<\/p>\n

One thing that is agreed upon is the damage their teeth and claws do. And, this alone is enough to kill their prey alone.<\/p>\n

What are the effects of a Komodo dragon bite?<\/h2>\n

A Komodo Dragon’s bite is catastrophic. It has teeth, similar to a shark. Meaning they are serrated and cause their prey’s flesh to be ripped up in the attack causing fatal damage.<\/p>\n

Is the Lace Monitor bigger than the Komodo dragon?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Komodo dragon<\/a><\/u> is the biggest monitor lizard. In fact, it\u2019s the largest living lizard on Earth! Komodos can reach lengths of up to 10 feet (3 meters) and weigh approximately 154 pounds (70 kilograms) on average.<\/p>\n

The largest verified Komodo specimen was measured at 10.3 feet (3.13 meters) and weighed a gargantuan 366 pounds (166 kilograms)!<\/p>\n

But the Lace Monitor<\/a><\/u> (V. varius<\/em>) is no chump. Lace Monitors grow to between 4.9 and 6.5 feet (1.5-2 meters) long and weigh about 44 pounds (20 kilograms) on average.<\/p>\n

How many different species are there in the monitor lizard family?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Any lizard of the Varanus<\/em> or Lanthanotus<\/em> genera is considered part of the monitor (Varanidae<\/em>) family<\/a><\/u>. There are approximately 50 species. These lizards’ typical physical features include elongated heads\/necks, long tails, and prominent, muscular legs.<\/p>\n

Monitors also have forked, snake-like tongues. They are found in Africa (south of the Sahara Desert), Australia, southern and southeastern Asia, and various islands in the southwestern Pacific.<\/p>\n

The smallest monitors can grow to a full length of 8 inches (20 centimeters), and the largest (Indonesia\u2019s infamous Komodo dragon [V. komodoensis<\/em>]) can reach up to 10 feet (3 meters) long!<\/p>\n

Is the Komodo Dragon’s tail longer than a Lace Monitor’s?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Komodo tails are equal in length to their body. Since Komodos can grow up to ten feet, its average tail length is approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters). Lace Monitor tails are usually half to 1.5x the size of the body, measuring around 2.5 to 3 feet (0.7-1 meter).<\/p>\n

What color is a Komodo Dragon?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Adult Komodo dragons are greyish-brown. Juveniles can have a more pronounced yellow pattern with bands of varying colors and specks of yellow, green, grey, and brown. Notably, Komodo dragons from the Indonesian island of Flores are an earthy red color with yellow heads.<\/p>\n

What color is a Lace Monitor lizard?<\/h2>\n

Lace Monitors have a more complex color scheme. Juveniles have broad yellow and blue-black stripes spanning the length of the body and tail. They also tend to have scattered yellow, white, or cream-colored specks\/blotches. As Lace Monitors age, the colored bands fade, leaving only the paler spots and blotches.<\/p>\n

What does a Komodo Dragon eat?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Komodo dragons are very f<\/u>ierce hunters, often preying on much larger animals. They\u2019ve been known to eat water buffalo, deer, and pigs. If needed, they will eat carrion. Komodos have also been known to eat smaller Komodos.<\/p>\n

The Lace Monitor also has a varied diet. They eat a wide range of prey, including birds\/birds eggs, insects, and small mammals. Like Komodos, Lace Monitors will also scavenge carrion if the opportunity presents itself.<\/p>\n

Why is the Komodo called a \u2018dragon\u2019 instead of a lizard?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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The Komodo\u2019s intimidating name comes from Indonesian lore. It is named after a mythological, dragon-like creature that is rumored to have once lived on Komodo Island. Locals call these behemoths ora<\/em>, meaning \u201cland crocodile\u201d, or biawak raksasa<\/em> (\u201cgiant monitor\u201d).<\/p>\n

The name was coined by W. Douglas Burden in 1926. Fun fact: Burden\u2019s expeditions to Komodo Island were the inspiration behind the famous 1933 film<\/a> <\/u>King Kong<\/em>. Many speculate that the creature\u2019s unprecedented size helped give credence to the unusual name. Mythology aside, though, these dragons are still technically lizards.<\/p>\n

When does the Komodo start mating?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The period between May and August is the Komodo mating season<\/u>. If you\u2019re lucky enough to be in their territory during this time, you\u2019re bound to see male Komodos warring with one another over mating rights.<\/p>\n

The battles can be intense! But the winners of these epic bouts aren\u2019t free to just take their prize. Females will fight aggressively<\/a>, biting and scratching would-be suitors. Mating males need to fully subdue their female mates during fornication to avoid serious injury (That can be a real challenge after a hard day of fighting!).<\/p>\n

Once the female has been impregnated, her aggressive nature toward the male will cease. Mated Komodos can sometimes form monogamous pair-bonds, a characteristic exclusive to only a few animals in the world!<\/p>\n

What is the most common species for monitor lizard pets?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In general, smaller monitors are the easiest to care for. It should be noted here that monitor lizards are NOT typically recommended for beginner pet-owners, as their temperaments and special needs can be costly and time-consuming.<\/p>\n

Popular monitors for pets:<\/p>\n