Juvenile Komodo Dragons
- Thread starter Lyrebird
- Start date
nanoboy
Well-Known Member
When l was at Fort Worth zoo last year l had a interesting conversation with the Komodo Dragon keeper.
He suggested that there was a problem of obesity with the USA population of Komodo Dragon as they had all been fed way to well as juveniles, l have heard of this happening with other reptiles including star tortoises.
He suggested that there was a problem of obesity with the USA population of Komodo Dragon as they had all been fed way to well as juveniles, l have heard of this happening with other reptiles including star tortoises.
I wonder which facility?Any ideas Steve?
I wish!!!!!!!!!!!! However, I wouldn't want just one. Not much point keeping them without trying to breed them.
nanoboy
Well-Known Member
And here I was thinking that this was the big surprise that you had in store for us this year.
This is very exciting. Hopefully there's one in Melbourne.
It actually does make sense that they're sending them out as solitary animals, as aren't they all from the same litter? I'm guessing the hope will be to gradually import individuals that are less related to form pairs when the time comes.
It actually does make sense that they're sending them out as solitary animals, as aren't they all from the same litter? I'm guessing the hope will be to gradually import individuals that are less related to form pairs when the time comes.
Taronga indicated that this was the reasoning behind the strategy last year (import more animals later on down the track). I saw them yesterday, in the main building of reptile world in an exhibit that I remember holding snakes most recently.
Long-term, I think they are going to have to come up with a purpose built facility for Komodos, I wouldnt mind seeing the old aviaries opposite reptile world being converted for this purpose....retain and restore the exterior fabric of the buildings and enhance the rest of the space to become a breeding facility.
Long-term, I think they are going to have to come up with a purpose built facility for Komodos, I wouldnt mind seeing the old aviaries opposite reptile world being converted for this purpose....retain and restore the exterior fabric of the buildings and enhance the rest of the space to become a breeding facility.
Having bred a few monitor species myself, I think it may be simply a case of finding a compatible female. Despite a slow intro last time, he still ripped her apart - as you said. Sometimes reptiles will reject mates several times before settling for one in particular. Happens often with crocodilians too.
Oh ok, didn't know that. However I'm not sure if he is too old as he is around 25 years of age. Anyone know how old they can live for?
zooboy28
Well-Known Member
The wikipedia entry has two potential maximum longevities - 30 years and 50 years, although they might refer to wild and captive individuals possibly.
As for introducing females to this male - how many do you risk? He might kill the next ten females introduced to him before choosing a mate. Is ther any way to reduce this risk? Introduce females larger than him, or give the female means to escape him?
Bingo!
Both of those ideas would greatly minimise the risk losing her to an attack. Visual and contact barriers were used previously, and these should be used again in the future.
Being a parthenogenic species you could just keep one and breed, but of course it would need to be a female!
Perth Zoo has one: Perth Zoo's first dragons