PERENTIE

Scientific name: Varanus giganteus

Family: Varanidae

Order: Squamata

Status: Least Concern

Habitat and Distribution

It is a shy species distributed thoughout sandy, mountainous areas of central and Western Australia, where it lives in a secluded burrow amongst rocky hills.

About the animal:

• The largest of the Australian monitors;
• Can grow up to 2.5 m and weigh up to 15 kg;
• It runs very fast, either on all fours or on its hind legs;
• If required to show aggression it will expel air with a loud rattling hiss and then lash its tail;
• It will lunge in for a fast and serve attack then turn quickly and run away.

What they eat?

It feeds on lizards, snakes, mammals, small birds and eggs. Animals that have sought shelter underground are dug out with Perentie's powerful forelegs.