The time for a reptile friend has arrived! And I chose one that I learned a recent fact about, because I loved the fact and also because of their vibes. Prepare for a new to me fact and more info about the Komodo dragon/monitor:
This one was named Murphy, and he sadly passed away earlier this year at the ripe old age of 26 (I think). Very distinguished face, right? Plus a forked tongue! Creature of all time, really.
First, some basic info: they’re the largest lizards on the planet and can grow up to 10 feet long. Their venom lets them prey on animals much, MUCH larger than they are. They can reach speeds of up to 13 miles per hour (for short bursts). If they’re being chased, they may barf up whatever’s in their stomach so they can run away faster. Adults can eat up to 80 percent of their own body weight in a single meal (sure, why not). They are very cute. Citation NOT needed just look at this picture of one playing with a bucket:
Cute! If you want to see some more predatory behavior and then learn a bit about how they play, there’s a great video from the Smithsonian you can watch. It’s only like 3 minutes, but be warned that there’s definitely a giant dead water buffalo thing getting torn apart by a dragon near the beginning. Then you can watch a (presumably different) dragon play with a paper bag!
Also, here is baby Kraken, one of the first captive bred dragons who was very cute when she was tiny:
Just a little buddy! She’s one of the lizards who helped scientists understand Komodo dragon (and other reptile) enrichment needs, leading to better husbandry and care in zoos throughout the world. There’s a whole chapter just about her in this book, which you can totally request from your library. I haven’t read it yet, but I do have a hold on it, so there. I just didn’t feel like waiting til I got it to write this post. If I learn something Extra Exciting, I will give you all an update in the future.
Okay, ANYWAY time for the newest fact I know about the Komodo dragon! Their very sharp tooths are apparently edged in IRON so that they can CHOMP so much. Have you seen a beaver’s teeth? If not, just wait, I’m definitely going to write about beavers at some point. Or you can just Google it if the suspense is killing you. This is relevant because beaver’s chompers are coated in a layer of iron which makes them an orange color.
So it turns out that Komodo dragon teeth have a thin ridge of iron running along their serrated edges. I know right?!? THAT IS SO COOL. Here is a picture/diagram thing from the study where I learned about this:
And here’s a quote from one of the scientists of the study: “As we mapped out sections of Komodo dragon teeth, we quickly realised that iron was concentrated along the cutting edges and tooth tips, but not on other parts of the tooth,” says LeBlanc. “This also precisely matches the orange staining we can see on the teeth under the microscope.” Precise! Sharp! Great for tearing! What can’t they do? Here’s a very funny photo of one showing you its mouth that I found in an article about the teeth. So happy:
Anyway Komdo dragons are cool and they have iron teeth which is very metal of them. Or: "These guys are Iike scaly pandas when it comes to getting people excited.” The end.
But NOT REALLY because remember the woolly mammoth mice? Obviously you do, because who could forget them. So I found two VERY cute pieces of fan art this week. The first is by user xgravityrosex on Tumblr:
And the second is by Miurgen, also on Tumblr, but you can even buy a print of this one via imprint!
Hoohoohoo! Ittybitty tusks! So much fluff! I love the internet.
So I will have another poll soon, but I want to post one creature from each category first, and there’s like bugs and um… big mammals and weasels left, maybe? I am still creating this just by whatever I’m in the mood to write about, so my organizational system is that I’m not organized. In place of a poll, have TWO memes to round out your week (these are not memes, but you get the idea):
Sources:
Scientific American - Komodo Dragons’ Nightmare Iron-Tipped Teeth are a Reptilian First
Nature Ecology & Evolution - Iron Coated Komodo Dragon Teeth and the Complex Dental Enamel of Carnivorous Reptiles
George Mason University Gazette - First Komodo Dragons in the U.S. Hatch on Mason Campus
Smithsonian National Zoo - How Dangerous Are Komodo Dragons?
Plz ignore the many misuses of the wrong forms of its and it's in this post. I do know the difference. I also don't proofread these posts, and then when I read them I'm all: Ah. I see.
I'm not going to fix it, but it does annoy me. ANYWAY. Thanks for tolerating grammar errors with your animal fact news, pals!