Can you eat komodo dragon meat?

In this brief guide, we will provide an answer to the question, “Can you eat komodo dragon meat?” and discuss the possible risks and benefits of eating komodo dragons.

Can you eat komodo dragon meat?

Yes, you can theoretically eat komodo dragon meat, since it is a lizard and lizards are in general edible (1). 

However, it is not recommended to eat komodo dragon meat because of the risk of infection through Salmonella and other pathogenic bacteria (2) and due to the venom that they carry (3). In addition, komodo dragons are protected due to the risk of extinction of this animal species (4).

The population of Komodo dragons has dropped due to illegal hunting, preys and other threats. In order to prevent the extinction of komodo dragons, they are protected by environmental laws and should not be used as a food source for humans.

What are the risks of eating komodo dragon?

The risks of eating komodo dragon are of infection caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7, salmonellae, and Coxiella burnetii (2). The pathogenic bacteria are related to wild animals and it has been reported that people were infected by touching a wooden barrier around the Komodo dragon exhibit.

Eating lizards is a common practice in many parts of the world and is related to risks of infections by bacteria, viruses, intestinal helminths and other parasites (5).

Salmonella, E.coli and other pathogenic bacteria can cause foodborne illnesses and lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever. In severe cases these diseases can lead to hospitalizations and even death (5).

In addition, komodo dragons produce a venom which can be toxic to humans and induce shock (3). The venom is a serine protease and is able to coagulate the blood of the victim, disrupting homeostasis, that is, the equilibrium within the blood. 

What are the benefits of eating Komodo dragon?

The benefits of eating komodo dragon are the high proteins and moderate fat of its meat. Being a large lizard, the meat can provide a considerable amount of protein and feed several individuals (1). 

How to cook Komodo dragon?

To cook komodo dragon, follow the instructions (adapted from 7):

  1. Skin, wash and cut the komodo in pieces

2. Wash, salt and blanch the cut komodo in boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes in a large pot, drain

3. In a large cooking pan, add a large amount of water, add salt and spices, such as garlic, oregano and bay leaves to the cooking pan and let cook on low heat 

4. After 10 minutes, add the komodo meat pieces and let cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes

5. Serve with vegetables

What are the alternatives to eating Komodo dragons?

The alternatives to eating komodo dragons are eating poultry, beef or fish meat. These meat sources contain about 20% of protein in their composition and between 1 to 5% of fat, depending on the source and cut (6).

Similarly to lizard meat, they are able to offer proteins and fats, energy as well as minerals (1).

Animal meat is a very important component of the human diet, as it provides high quality protein, in addition to essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3), heme-iron, iodine and selenium and vitamins of the B-complex, contributing for a healthy function of the body.   

Conclusion 

In this brief guide, we have provided an answer to the question, “Can you eat komodo dragon meat?” and discussed the possible risks and benefits of eating komodo dragons.

References

  1. Hoffman, Louwrens C., and D-M. Cawthorn. What is the role and contribution of meat from wildlife in providing high quality protein for consumption?. Anim front, 2012, 2, 40-53. 
  2. Chomel BB, Belotto A, Meslin FX. Wildlife, exotic pets, and emerging zoonoses. Emerg Infect Dis, 2007, 13, 6-11 
  3. Patel S. A critical review on serine protease: Key immune manipulator and pathology mediator. Allergol Immunopathol, 2017, 45, 579-591. 
  4. Jones, Alice R., et al. Identifying island safe havens to prevent the extinction of the World’s largest lizard from global warming. Ecol evolut, 2020, 10, 10492-10507. 
  5. Sianto L, Teixeira-Santos I, Chame M, Chaves SM, Souza SM, Ferreira LF, Reinhard K, Araujo A. Eating lizards: a millenary habit evidenced by Paleoparasitology. 2012, 25, 586.
  6. De Smet, S. Meat, poultry, and fish composition: Strategies for optimizing human intake of essential nutrients. Animal front, 2012, 2, 10-16.
  7. Chicken Of The Trees”-Iguana Recipe Ideas. University of Florida.

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