Those returning from a 1920s expedition to Asia popularized this name for the Buaja Darat, or land crocodile

The Jeopardy episode that aired on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, featured a Final Jeopardy clue in the category “Animal Names.” The clue highlighted a fascinating case of linguistic adaptation and zoological intrigue. Contestants were asked to identify the term that gained popularity after a 1920s expedition to Asia, which encountered a creature referred to locally as the Buaja Darat, or land crocodile. The name that entered popular usage thanks to this expedition has since become associated with one of the most formidable reptilian predators on Earth.

What is Komodo dragon?

In the early 20th century, Western explorers became aware of unusual reports coming out of the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia. Rumors spoke of enormous, land-dwelling lizards with the appearance and ferocity of mythical beasts. In 1910, Dutch colonial officers first documented sightings of these creatures on Komodo Island. However, it was a 1926 expedition led by W. Douglas Burden, a wealthy American adventurer and naturalist, that brought the world’s full attention to what locals called the Buaja Darat, or land crocodile.

Burden’s expedition to Komodo Island was backed by the American Museum of Natural History and sought to capture specimens of the animal for study and public display. What the group encountered exceeded all expectations—gigantic lizards that could grow over 10 feet long and weigh more than 150 pounds. These cold-blooded carnivores hunted deer and other prey using a combination of strength, speed, and toxic saliva. The expedition successfully returned with preserved specimens and two live animals, which generated headlines and captivated public imagination.

The Rise of the “Komodo Dragon” Name

Following Burden’s return to the United States, the term Komodo dragon was coined and popularized. Though not a dragon in any mythological sense, the name captured the fierce, prehistoric appearance of the lizard and was more marketable to Western audiences than “land crocodile.” The name stuck, especially as specimens were displayed at zoos and museums. It quickly entered common usage and remains the standard term today for the species Varanus komodoensis.

The dramatic name helped fuel a mystique around the animal that endures to this day. Early media reports frequently referenced the dragon-like qualities of the reptile, and sensational headlines helped drive interest in both the animal and the remote Indonesian islands where it lived. The name also aligned with the popular fascination with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures that was gaining ground in the early 20th century, especially in the wake of archaeological discoveries and the rise of natural history museums.

Scientific Recognition and Conservation

The Komodo dragon is now recognized as the largest living species of lizard and an apex predator in its native habitat. Its population is limited to a handful of Indonesian islands, primarily Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and a few smaller areas. Over time, conservation efforts have become increasingly important, as human activity and environmental changes have placed pressure on its ecosystem.

Despite its fierce reputation, the Komodo dragon is a vulnerable species. Conservation organizations and the Indonesian government have established protected areas and research programs to preserve its population. The species is now a flagship animal for wildlife tourism in Indonesia, drawing thousands of visitors annually to Komodo National Park, which was established in 1980.

A Legacy Rooted in Exploration

The Final Jeopardy clue on December 30, 2025, not only tested contestants’ knowledge of zoology and historical expeditions but also shone a light on a remarkable moment of scientific discovery. The Komodo dragon is more than just a large lizard—it represents a link between traditional local knowledge and Western scientific exploration, as well as the power of names and storytelling in shaping public understanding.

The adoption of the name “Komodo dragon” following the 1920s expedition underscores how cultural encounters and scientific inquiry can intersect to bring new species into the global spotlight. From “land crocodile” to dragon, the journey of this name is a reminder of the lasting impact of exploration, language, and curiosity.