# Komodo dragon vs Asian water monitor: the differences

> How do the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) differ? Classification, features, range, diet, size, IUCN status and legal protection, from cited sources.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/differences/komodo-dragon-vs-asian-water-monitor/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/perbedaan/komodo-dan-biawak-air/
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The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and the Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) are different species in the same genus, Varanus. Range in Indonesia — the Komodo dragon: East Nusa Tenggara: Flores and nearby islands; the Asian water monitor: Sumatra, Java, Bali, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and parts of Nusa Tenggara.

| Aspect | [Komodo dragon](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/komodo-dragon/) | [Asian water monitor](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/varanus-salvator/) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Varanus komodoensis | Varanus salvator |
| Indonesian name | Komodo | Biawak air |
| Class | Reptilia | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata | Squamata |
| Family | Varanidae | Varanidae |
| Range in Indonesia | East Nusa Tenggara: Flores and nearby islands | Sumatra, Java, Bali, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and parts of Nusa Tenggara |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes | No |
| Key features | Forked tongue for sensing scent | — |
| Size | Largest verified size: 3.13 m long and 166 kg | Body length: Can reach 3 m, but most adults are at most about 1.5 m |
| Diet | Predator and scavenger | Small animals and carrion |
| Diet type | carnivore (meat-eater) | carnivore (meat-eater) |
| Reproduction | laying eggs (oviparous) | laying eggs (oviparous) |
| IUCN status | Endangered | Least Concern |
| Legal protection | Protected (Regulation P.106/2018) | — |

Every cell comes from the sourced data on each animal’s page.