Komodo Dragons (Varanus komodoensis)

[GuateGojira]

@Paleosuchus, just a few remarks:

1. To say that a person is posting "false" or "inaccurate and not well based" information do sound harsh and believe me, it only provoke problems with the people. Is better to say "incorrect information" or "incorrect interpretation", it is just my advice. By the way, I am not taking it personal, don't worry. I am interested more in the data than in discussions.

2. Yes, the figure of 47 kg don't specifically say "males", but in page 23 Dr Auffenberg mentioned a sample of 10 largest males and 10 largest females measured by his team, which suggest some separation of sexes at some point. When we see that the maximum weight of his study (54 kg) is just 7 kg less than the average of 47 kg, and taking in count that the average is of the "largest specimens", I believed that the figure certainly belonged to "male" specimens. It is also interesting that other males of the same length than the longest-heaviest specimen, weighed as low as 35 kg. So, it was logic to conclude that the figure of 47 kg certainly belonged to males. However, I see that you have more knowledge of the reptile world, so your conclusions may be more accurate and I respect them.

3. Finally, on the email of Dr Jessop, please read again my post. I am not saying anything contrary to the statements of Jessop. He clearly says that "most adult males are probably 65 - 80 kg", this is obviously a "range", not an "average". Also, he clearly mentions that he thinks that a large male would weight up to 87 kg. Also, I addressed the fact that, as far I know, the heaviest dragon weighed by him is of 81.5 kg. Again, no contradiction at all.

I see that you have a good knowledge of reptiles, so I would like to see if you can ask to Dr Jessop about specific figures of the Komodo dragons like:
1. Average of males and ranges.
2. Average of females and ranges.
3. Body lengths, separated by sexes.
Etc....

Any data that you could provide will be excellent, and will enrich our database.

Greetings. Reply