Management and reproduction of the Komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis Ouwens 1912 at ZSL London Zoo

Abstract

The Komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis is the world's largest living lizard. Despite numerous collections exhibiting these animals, only a small number of institutions worldwide have managed to breed them. Here, we discuss the new, purpose-built breeding facility at ZSL London Zoo and recent husbandry changes that resulted in the oviposition of two fertile clutches of eggs and five hatchling Komodo dragons for the first time in the United Kingdom. Four of the Komodo dragons were produced parthenogenetically, which is the first time this has been documented in this species. © 2007 The Author.