Thoiry founder Paul de la Panouse told AFP that there were two possible answers to the riddle.
"Either female komodo dragons are spermthecal, meaning that they have the ability to store sperm or fertilized eggs for long periods — in this case for two years — or they are parthogenetic, meaning that they are self-reproductive: they produce clones of themselves," de la Panouse said.
Genetic tests will be carried out to try to explain the mystery.
The Komodo dragon (
Varanus komodoensis) is the world's largest lizard, reaching up to three meters (10 feet) in length. The creature is carnivorous, preying on goats, deer and other mammals, which it kills with deadly bacteria in its saliva.
The dragon is found on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang and Flores, but its numbers have dwindled to around 6,000 as a result of poaching and invasive species.
Name: Komodo Dragon (
Varanus komodoensis)
Primary Classification: Varanidae (Monitor Lizards)
Location: Three Indonesian islands: Komodo, Rinca and the western end of Flores.
Habitat: Dry open grasslands, savannas and tropical forests at lower elevations.
Diet: Goats, deer, wild pigs, macaques, rats, dogs, bird eggs and occasionally other dragons.
Size: Averages 6-9 ft in length and 200 lbs in weight.
Description: Males are dark gray to brick red; females are olive green with yellow patches on the throat; long neck; strong, sharp claws; long, yellow tongue; tail makes up half of body length.
Cool Facts: It is the largest and most powerful lizard on the planet. It's capable of killing a 1,000-pound water buffalo. There are over 15 strains of bacteria in the dragon's saliva, which it uses to kill its prey. It can devour over 80 percent of its body weight in a single meal.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Major Threat(s): Habitat loss, poaching and invasive species.
What Can I Do?: Visit
Conservation International for information on how you can help.
