What is the life cycle of the Komodo dragon?

The life cycle of the Komodo dragon begins with the female laying around 20 to 30 eggs in a nest, typically in burrows or vegetation, after mating in the spring. The eggs incubate for about 7 to 8 months, hatching in late summer. Hatchlings are small, about a foot long, and initially climb trees for safety from predators, including adult Komodo dragons. As they grow, they gradually move to the ground, reaching maturity at around 8 to 9 years, and can live for up to 30 years in the wild.