Perentie

Perentie
Perentie in the wild
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Lacertilia
Family:	Varanidae
Genus:	Varanus
Subgenus:	Varanus
Species:	V. giganteus
Binomial name
Varanus giganteus (Gray, 1845)
Distribution of the Perentie

The Perentie (or Perente) (Varanus giganteus) is the largest monitor lizard or goanna native to Australia, and fourth largest lizard on earth, after the Komodo Dragon, crocodile monitor and the water monitor. Found west of the Great Dividing Range in the arid areas of Australia, they are not a common sight on account of their shyness and remoteness of much of their range from human habitation.

Their status in indigenous Aboriginal culture is evident in the totemic relationship, and part of a dreaming, as well as bush tucker. They were a favoured food item among desert Aboriginal tribes, and the fat was used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. Many are depicted in Aboriginal art and their accompanying stories such as the piece ‘Goanna Calling for Rain’ and ‘How the Perentie and Goanna got their Colours’.

Description

The lizard can grow up to 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in) in length although the average length is around 1.75 to 2 metres (5 ft 9 in to 6 ft 7 in) and weigh up to 15 kilograms (33 lb) — maximum weight can be over 20 kilograms (44 lb). Their rival for third largest lizard is the crocodile monitor. Crocodile Monitors are longer, and often exceed 8 feet (2.4 m) in length, but perenties are heavier and bulkier than the crocodile monitor. However, Perenties are relatively lean lizards, less bulky than either the Komodo dragon or the water monitor.

Venom

In late 2005, University of Melbourne researchers discovered that Perenties (Varanus giganteus), other monitors and Iguanians may be somewhat venomous. Previously, it had been thought that bites inflicted by these lizards were simply prone to infection because of bacteria in the lizards' mouths, but these researchers have shown that the immediate effects are caused by mild envenomation. Bites on human digits by a Lace Monitor (Varanus varius), a Komodo Dragon (V. komodoensis) and a Spotted Tree Monitor (V. scalaris) have been observed and all produced similar results in humans: rapid swelling within minutes, localised disruption of blood clotting, shooting pain up to the elbow, with some symptoms lasting for several hours.

According to Australian folk lore, the perentie is immune to the bite of venomous snakes but this has not been experimentally tested.

Distribution and habitat

Perenties are found in the arid desert areas of Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. Their habitat consists of rocky outcroppings and gorges, with hard-packed soil and loose stones.

Behaviour

Perenties are not a common sight in Australia. They generally avoid human contact and will disappear before they are seen. Being able diggers, they can excavate a burrow for shelter in only minutes. Their long claws enable them to easily climb trees.

They often stand on their back legs and tail in order to gain a better view of the surrounding terrain. This behaviour, known as "tripoding", is quite common in monitor species. Perenties are fast sprinters, and can run using either all four legs or just their hind legs.

Diet

Perenties generally forage for their food, but are also known to wait in ambush for small animals. Prey items can include:

• Insects
• Reptiles, including their own kind
• Birds and birds' eggs
• Small mammalsderp
• Carrion

Large adults can attack a greater variety of prey species, including small kangaroos.

Gallery

• 
  A Perentie in the Perth Zoo, Western Australia
• 
  Closeup of a Perentie in the wild.
• 
  Closeup of Perentie face, Perth Zoo
• 
  Pair of Perenties in Perth Zoo

References

• Cogger, H. (1967). Australian Reptiles in Colour. Sydney: A. H. & A. W. Reed, ISBN 0-589-07012-6
• King, Dennis & Green, Brian. 1999. Goannas: The Biology of Varanid Lizards. University of New South Wales Press. ISBN 0-86840-456-X