Undoubtedly, the biggest lizards and not actual dragons- Komodo dragons have gained quite the attention of tourists traveling worldwide. Especially for those visiting Asia, precisely the southern easternmost part of the continent, wonder whether are there Komodo dragons in Thailand.
Komodo dragons belong to those species of reptiles that are rarely ever seen, and the reason is not associated with their ensuing extinction but because they are only specifically native to some areas.
Though these giant lizards can indeed be found in several regions of Asia, it is true or false to raise the question- are there Komodo dragons in Thailand? Let’s find out for ourselves in the following article.
Are There Komodo Dragons In Thailand?
Ruling out if it is true or false- are there Komodo dragons in Thailand? It is false for you to assume the existence of Komodo dragons in Thailand. This is merely because these giant lizards do not belong to Thailand, so if you were expecting to encounter a Komodo dragon on your next trip to the country, it is safe to discard the thought.
You can still make your trip worthwhile by sightseeing other much more fascinating lizards common to the place. However, do not confuse Komodo dragons with the large and freely roaming rather common giant monitor lizards in Thailand. Rest assured, though their size may resemble a Komodo dragon, they are not. 
However, some zookeepers have reported acquiring Komodo dragons by illegally smuggling them into Thailand from their originating habitat in Indonesia. But the reliability of these reports is a bit uncertain to confirm; hence, keep your hopes about finding Komodo dragons in Thailand low.
Komodo Dragons:
A way to define these astonishing lizards is simply by describing them as the heaviest and biggest lizard in the world today. There has not yet been an animal to top the characteristics of the much sought and endangered Komodo dragon.
With the capacity to grow as long as 10 feet and as heavy as 70 kg, national geographic journalists have frequently reported that the Komodo dragons retain the ability to surpass their living ability of 30 years.
The massive lizards boast of having strong, powerful, and long claws that they utilize to catch and then kill their prey. Additionally, these dragon lizards feature a muscular, lengthy tail known as the “Komodo monitor” and assist the animal to navigate.
Komodo dragons are known as dangerous lizards on the planet because of their venomous bite. Once a Komodo dragon has bitten you, your survival chances are significantly hindered.
Due to the highly sharp and developed sense of smell of Komodo dragons coupled with their curved and sharp teeth, these lizards are keen at hunting their catch easily and devouring their prey effortlessly.
Monitors (Komodo dragons) or the Varanus species are dedicatedly looked for by private collectors, zoos, and reptile enthusiasts worldwide. Spotting the lizards is also very easy and quick; all you have to do is look for them in the right place, and that too is straightforward because of the small range of reptiles, and then capture them. Thus, criminal poaching of Komodo dragons is highly probable and is a typically undertaken activity.
Finding Komodo Dragons:
Until now, we have established that Komodo dragons are not to be discovered in Thailand, but then if Thailand is not their prime habitat, where are these Komodo dragons likely to be found?
The only place where you are guaranteed to find a Komodo dragon is in Indonesia on the following small islands:
- Komodo Island
- Gili Montana Island
- The Island of Flores
- Rinca Island
- Gili Dasami Island
All the islands we have stated above, apart from the Island of Flores, fall under the authority of the Komodo National Park, and apart from these five mentioned islands, there are no other places on planet Earth where you would find these powerful lizards.
A commonality in all these islands witnessed asides housing Komodo dragons is their weather conditions. Covered by hills by both forests and savanna grassland, subject to warm climates with everyday temperatures rising to 95 degrees in dry seasons, are the conditions preferred by the Komodo dragons and are crucial for their survival.
Not only are the inhabited islands by the Komodo dragons small, but they are also free of competition from the reptiles, whereby there are no predators to prey on the lizards, allowing them to evolve, grow, and last for a long-time.
If it happens for you have ever seen a Komodo dragon that is not 10 feet in length or 30 years in age, the underlying reason for it is linked to the lizard’s habitat. The apparent outcome of the Komodo dragon has resulted due to the enhanced number of predators in their living area, because of which the food for them to feast on has decreased and has prohibited their growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What are the big lizards in Thailand?
The big lizards you see in Thailand are known to be water monitor lizards and are regularly found in the country. Upon seeing them, do not make the earnest mistake of confusing these lizards with Komodo dragons.
What countries are Komodo dragons found in?
Indonesia is the only country a Komodo dragon is found in, though five prominent islands provide residence to these huge lizards.
What is the largest reptile in Thailand?
The largest reptile you can come across in Thailand is the monitor lizard, which is approximately equivalent in size and mass to Komodo dragons.
What monitor lizards live in Thailand?
Four species of monitor lizards live in Thailand: Asian Water Monitor, Bengal, Khao Sok, and Dumeril.
Conclusion:
If you are looking forward to seeing Komodo dragons, Indonesia is the right destination to land in.
