Komodo dragons are the world's largest lizards, with specialist thermoregulatory and environmental needs that require expert management in captivity.
Komodo dragon welfare centres on thermal management. As ectotherms, their metabolism, immune function, digestion, and behaviour are all temperature-dependent. Inadequate thermal gradients cause immune compromise, poor digestion, and behavioural abnormality. The thermal environment must provide sufficient range that individuals can regulate to their required temperature throughout the day and seasonally. Social management is critical — Komodo dragons are territorial and will cause serious injury or death to cohabitants without adequate space and retreat options. Their welfare is primarily physiological and environmental rather than social, distinguishing them from the mammalian and avian species where social complexity dominates welfare considerations.