MelissaA
Brenton
Shilpa Karhik
Another Virgin Birth For Christmas
December 23rd 2006 00:30
The Komodo dragon is the biggest lizard in the world, with males able to reach up to 3 metres/10 feet long and weighing up to around 90 kilos.
The Komodo dragon in question, named Flora, laid a batch of eggs this year, three of which appeared to have 'failed'. These eggs were then examined and found to contain fertillised embryos.
As Flora had never even associated with a male dragon let alone been in a position to get 'up close and personal' with one, DNA tests were performed which showed that Flora was both the "mother" and "father" of the eggs.
Although other lizard species in the past have performed similar feats, this is the first time it has ever been recorded in a Komodo dragon.
Kevin Buley, curator of lower vertebrates and invertebrates at Chester zoo was quoted as saying:
"Essentially, what we have here is an immaculate conception, and because the eggs were laid back in May, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that the incubating eggs could hatch around Christmas time.
"We will be on the lookout for shepherds, wise men and an unusually bright star in the sky over Chester Zoo!"
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