Animals / komodo-dragon-venom
Facts about Komodo Dragon Venom
- 05
Venom from Komodo dragons contains compounds that induce muscle paralysis, contributing to prey's inability to escape after an initial bite.
- 04
Among lizards, Komodo dragons are unusual in possessing venom that induces hypotensive shock by lowering blood pressure in bitten prey.
- 03
Research published in 2009 by Bryan Fry challenged the long-held belief that bacteria, not venom, were responsible for the debilitating effects of Komodo dragon bites.
- 02
The venom glands of Komodo dragons are located in the lower jaw, between the teeth, and deliver toxins directly into wounds during a bite.
- 01
Komodo dragon venom contains anticoagulant compounds that prevent blood clotting in prey, causing prolonged bleeding after a bite.