Perentie
A species of Monitor lizards Scientific name : Varanus giganteus Genus : Monitor lizards
Perentie, A species of Monitor lizards
Scientific name: Varanus giganteus
Genus: Monitor lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Erebus (Ship).; Gray, John Edward; Richardson, John; Ross, James Clark; Terror (Ship). , used under PUBLIC-DOMAIN /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The perentie (Varanus giganteus) is the largest monitor lizard or goanna native to Australia, and the fourth-largest living lizard on earth, after the Komodo dragon, Asian water monitor, and the crocodile monitor. Found west of the Great Dividing Range in the arid areas of Australia, it is rarely seen because of its shyness and the remoteness of much of its range from human habitation.
General Info
Lifespan
20-25 years
Diet
Perentie is primarily carnivorous, majorly consuming small mammals, birds and reptiles. They display a keen preference for large rabbits and wallabies, alongside eggs and nestlings when available.
Appearance
The perentie is a large, robust lizard, its body covered in rough, sturdy scales with a predominant sandy, desert brown coloration. It possesses a sharp forked tongue, thick-set legs, and wide claws best designed for digging in sandy environments. A significant feature is its long, tapering tail, often presenting with a darker hue compared to the body. No notable differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies have been identified.
Behavior
Perentie display significant territoriality comprising of scratching soil and tree trunks, as well as releasing strong musky secretions. Predominantly solitary, they exploit their desert habitat for sun-basking and tunnel burrowing, exhibiting a vigilance that's crucial for their survival. Their voracious diet includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and carrion.
Population
Stable
Photo By Erebus (Ship).; Gray, John Edward; Richardson, John; Ross, James Clark; Terror (Ship). , used under PUBLIC-DOMAIN /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Monitor lizards Genus
Monitor lizards Species
Perentie