Quick answer
IUCN status: EndangeredKomodo dragon at a glance
The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a reptile in the family Varanidae. Range in Indonesia: East Nusa Tenggara: Flores and nearby islands. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in East Nusa Tenggara (Komodo, Rinca, Flores and a few small nearby islands). Diet: predator and scavenger; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Varanus komodoensis |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Komodo |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Varanidae |
| Range in Indonesia | East Nusa Tenggara: Flores and nearby islands |
| Linked habitats | Savannas |
| Diet | Predator and scavenger |
| Range | Endemic to Indonesia |
| Key feature | Forked tongue for sensing scent |
| IUCN status | Endangered · Komodo Survival Program — Conservation status |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 724 |
| Largest verified size | 3.13 m long and 166 kg · Smithsonian's National Zoo — Komodo dragon |
| Lifespan in the wild | About 30 years · Smithsonian's National Zoo — Komodo dragon |
| Habitat projection | Suitable habitat is expected to shrink by at least 30% within 45 years due to rising temperatures and sea levels (IUCN, 2021) · IUCN — 2021 Red List update |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator and scavenger · Animal Diversity Web |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Reptile Database |
| Venom or poison | Venomous · Fry et al. 2009, A central role for venom in predation by Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) and the extinct giant Varanus (Megalania) priscus (PNAS) |
| Observance days | National Day of Love for Flora and Fauna (5 November) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) — At night and in very hot weather it shelters in burrows. · Varanus komodoensis (Komodo dragon) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — East Nusa Tenggara (Komodo, Rinca, Flores and a few small nearby islands) · Reptile Database |
In this guide (12)
More than one island
Komodo dragons do not live only on Komodo Island. Their range includes several islands around the national park and parts of Flores. Island size, prey availability, and human pressures differ between populations. Avoid using one number or one visitor experience as a description of the whole species.
Evidence: Komodo Survival Program — Conservation status ↗ · IUCN — Komodo dragon assessment update, 2021 ↗
A hunter’s body
A forked tongue helps a dragon sample chemical clues from its surroundings. A powerful body, teeth, and venomous bite support its predatory way of life; carrion is also food. Large size does not mean it is always slow or safe to approach, even when it appears to be resting.
Savanna, woodland, and prey
Dragon landscapes include savanna and wooded areas. Protecting dragons therefore also means maintaining prey and habitat structure. Deer hunting and land-use change can affect this predator even when dragons themselves are not being hunted. The savanna guide helps place these relationships within a connected ecological system.
Evidence: Komodo Survival Program — Conservation status ↗ · Smithsonian’s National Zoo — Komodo dragon ↗
Conservation must fit each island
Komodo Survival Program distinguishes challenges inside the national park from those on Flores, including habitat outside protected areas. IUCN also highlights climate-related risks to habitat. An Endangered classification describes extinction risk; it does not mean every population is changing at the same speed or for the same reason.
Evidence: IUCN — Komodo dragon assessment update, 2021 ↗ · Komodo Survival Program — Conservation status ↗
Why repeated monitoring matters
Researchers use individual tagging and camera traps to study survival, occurrence, and population change. Different methods answer different questions. When you encounter a claimed dragon count, check its year, survey area, and counting method before comparing it with another report; mismatched surveys can produce misleading comparisons.
Observation that preserves space
Follow site rules and the instructions of authorised local guides. Do not feed, attract, or block a dragon’s path for a photograph. Plan visits using current official information because access and rules can change. Conservation can also be supported without travelling into sensitive habitat.
Evidence: Indonesia Travel — Tips for visiting Komodo dragons ↗
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Komodo dragon
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Varanidae |
| Genus | Varanus |
| Species | Varanus komodoensis |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Komodo dragon
What is the scientific name of the Komodo dragon?
The scientific name of the Komodo dragon is Varanus komodoensis, in the family Varanidae. In Indonesian it is called Komodo.
What kind of animal is the Komodo dragon?
The Komodo dragon is a reptile in the family Varanidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator and scavenger. It is also endemic to Indonesia.
Where does the Komodo dragon live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the Komodo dragon in: East Nusa Tenggara: Flores and nearby islands.
The Komodo dragon is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in East Nusa Tenggara (Komodo, Rinca, Flores and a few small nearby islands). Source: Reptile Database.
Source-supported habitats: Savannas.
What does the Komodo dragon eat?
Diet of the Komodo dragon: predator and scavenger. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
How does the Komodo dragon reproduce?
The Komodo dragon reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Females can also produce eggs that hatch without mating (parthenogenesis). Source: Reptile Database.
Is the Komodo dragon venomous?
Yes. The Komodo dragon is venomous. Komodo dragons have venom glands that worsen bite wounds (anticoagulation, shock); attacks on people are rare but can be fatal. Source: Fry et al. 2009, A central role for venom in predation by Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) and the extinct giant Varanus (Megalania) priscus (PNAS).
Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.
Is the Komodo dragon nocturnal?
The cited source records the Komodo dragon as diurnal (active by day). At night and in very hot weather it shelters in burrows. Source: Varanus komodoensis (Komodo dragon) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What are the main features of the Komodo dragon?
Key features of the Komodo dragon, from this guide’s sources: Key feature: forked tongue for sensing scent.
How big is the Komodo dragon?
Largest verified size: 3.13 m long and 166 kg. Source: Smithsonian's National Zoo — Komodo dragon.
What is the scientific classification of the Komodo dragon?
Scientific classification of the Komodo dragon: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Varanidae, genus Varanus, species Varanus komodoensis.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Komodo dragon endangered?
Yes. The global conservation status of the Komodo dragon: Endangered. In the IUCN system, this category means it is considered to face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: Komodo Survival Program — Conservation status.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the Komodo dragon protected in Indonesia?
Is the Komodo dragon protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 724).
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the Komodo dragon be kept as a pet?
No. Because the Komodo dragon is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Compare with similar animals
Sources & references
- Komodo Survival Program — Conservation status ↗
- IUCN — Komodo dragon assessment update, 2021 ↗
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo — Komodo dragon ↗
- Komodo Survival Program — Population monitoring ↗
- Indonesia Travel — Tips for visiting Komodo dragons ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Reptile Database ↗
- Fry et al. 2009, A central role for venom in predation by Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) and the extinct giant Varanus (Megalania) priscus (PNAS) ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
National parks where it is recorded
According to the official national park profiles from the KSDAE directorate. The animal may also live elsewhere.
Related causes and news
Further reading
Komodo dragon: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — World Animal Rescue Network.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). Last substantive update: 7 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/komodo-dragon/