{"id":10586,"date":"2022-02-24T09:41:03","date_gmt":"2022-02-24T09:41:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/?p=10586"},"modified":"2022-02-26T23:30:02","modified_gmt":"2022-02-26T23:30:02","slug":"how-fast-can-a-komodo-dragon-swim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/how-fast-can-a-komodo-dragon-swim\/","title":{"rendered":"How Fast Can A Komodo Dragon Swim?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Upon first glance, you might not think that Komodo dragons<\/a> could move fast on land or in water. They are large, oddly-shaped lizards that look like they would rather spend all their time lounging in the sun than going for a swim or a run, but their athletic abilities may surprise you. So, how fast can a Komodo dragon swim? How fast can they run? Keep reading! In this article, we\u2019ll answer these questions and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Komodo Dragons Swim?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Can<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So, before addressing how fast Komodo dragons can swim, perhaps we should discuss whether or not they can swim in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Komodo dragons don\u2019t look particularly athletic, but they are, in fact, excellent swimmers. Their swimming ability is what originally allowed them to expand from their native Australia to the Lesser Sunda Islands, where they are found today. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Komodo dragons can easily swim 1,000 feet without resting. Their bodies seem made for the water, though this may not be obvious at first glance\u2013with their long tails swishing through the water and their strong limbs paddling like oars, they are able to glide somewhat like fish with the added benefit of limbs to help them move even faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Komodo dragons are cold-blooded reptiles, so too much time in the water can cause them to become chilled, which may in turn slow their metabolism and ability to move. That said, the waters of the south Pacific are warm enough that they don\u2019t immediately become chilled even after significant periods of time in the water, and their skin is thick and adds a solid layer of protection against the cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, Komodo dragons appear as natural in the water as they do on land, if not more so. Their smooth patterns and bursts of speed give them a reputation as excellent swimmers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out this video of a Komodo dragon swimming at Komodo National Park in Indonesia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=twkDCuQ1Xms<\/a>