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Species Atlas

MonitorsSpecialist keepers

Perentie

Varanus giganteus · also Perenty, ngiṉtaka (Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara)

The perentie is Australia's largest lizard, a desert goanna that can grow longer than 2.5 metres.

Size
over 2.5 m long and up to about 20 kg
Diet
carnivore: insects, other lizards (including other goannas), snakes, birds, eggs, rabbits and small marsupials up to small wallabies and kangaroos; also carrion
Active
diurnal, a wide-ranging active hunter
Home
rocky ranges, gorges and outcrops in arid country
Status
Least Concern (IUCN)

Meet the Perentie

The perentie is Australia's largest goanna and one of the largest lizards in the world. It is the top lizard predator of the arid inland, hunting insects, reptiles, birds and mammals, and even eating other goannas and large venomous snakes.

It lives among rocky ranges and gorges, digging extensive burrows with multiple exits using its powerful front legs and claws. Perenties often rear up on their hind legs and tail to scan the country, and they are wary of people, sprinting away at speed when spotted.

Hatchlings are brightly coloured and start on insects and small lizards. Females lay about 6 to 10 eggs in burrows beneath large objects, and the young hatch after a couple of months.

John Edward Gray described the perentie in 1845 as Hydrosaurus giganteus, meaning 'gigantic water lizard', a curious name for a desert dweller.

Where it lives

The arid interior and west of Australia, from far western Queensland through central Australia and South Australia to the Western Australian coast. Usually found around rocky hills, ranges, gorges and outcrops.

Its place in Australian culture

First Nations connections

At Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa, Aṉangu know the perentie as ngiṉtaka, and it is valued as bush tucker. Elders of the APY Lands in South Australia chose to share the Ngintaka Tjukurpa, a creation story tied to the Everard, Musgrave and Mann ranges, through a public South Australian Museum project in 2014.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge belongs to its custodians. We only share what has been made public, and we encourage hearing stories from Traditional Owners on Country.

Australian story

John Edward Gray's original 1845 name for the perentie, Hydrosaurus giganteus, means 'gigantic water lizard'. Today it is celebrated as Australia's largest living lizard and one of the most sought-after sightings in the Red Centre.

Fun facts

  1. It is Australia's largest living lizard, growing over 2.5 m.
  2. It stands up on its hind legs and tail to look around.
  3. It eats other goannas and even venomous snakes.
  4. It digs burrows with several escape exits.
  5. Its first scientific name meant 'gigantic water lizard'.
Specialist keepers

Can you keep one?

Perenties are kept only rarely by very experienced keepers and zoos because of their size and space needs; check your state wildlife authority.

Planning a home for one? We hand-build custom backdrops, hides and ledges for Australian species.

Plan a habitat

For fans of the Perentie

Compact binoculars

Outback wildlife spotting

Perenties are wary and fast, so binoculars let you watch them from a respectful distance.

See options on Amazon AU

A Field Guide to Reptiles of Australia

Desert reptile ID

Helps tell a perentie apart from sand goannas and other large monitors.

See options on Amazon AU

Questions people ask

How big do perenties get?

Perenties grow to over 2.5 m long and up to about 20 kg, making them Australia's largest lizard.

Is a perentie dangerous to humans?

Perenties are shy and usually flee from people, but they are powerful animals with sharp teeth and claws and should never be handled or cornered.

Where do perenties live?

In the arid interior of Australia, from far western Queensland through central Australia to Western Australia, usually among rocky hills and gorges.

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General information for Australian keepers, not veterinary advice. As an Amazon Associate, Oddball Animal Works earns from qualifying purchases. It never changes your price. About our links

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