The Komodo dragon, also known as the Komodo monitor, is a member of the monitor lizard family Varanidae that is endemic to the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang. It is the largest extant species of lizard, growing to a maximum length of 3 m (9.8 ft), and weighing up to 70 kg (150 lb).
Komodo dragon
Skull of a Komodo dragon
The Komodo dragon, as depicted on the 50 rupiah coin, issued by Indonesia
Specimen in profile
Monitor lizards are lizards in the genus Varanus, the only extant genus in the family Varanidae. They are native to Africa, Asia, and Oceania, and one species is also found in the Americas as an invasive species. About 80 species are recognized.
Monitor lizard
Injured Bengal monitor being nursed at the Lok Biradari Prakalp in India
The giant extinct megalania (Varanus priscus)
Bengal monitor (V. bengalensis) with green iguana (Iguana iguana)