Perentie

Perentie
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Subgenus: Varanus
Species:
V. giganteus
Binomial name
Varanus giganteus
(Gray, 1845)
Distribution of the perentie
Synonyms[2]

Hydrosaurus giganteus, Gray

The perentie (Varanus giganteus) is a species of monitor lizard. It is one of the largest living lizards on earth, after the Komodo dragon, Asian water monitor, and the Crocodile monitor.[3][4] 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. The species is considered to be a least-concern species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Its status in many Aboriginal cultures is evident in the totemic relationships, and part of the Ngiṉṯaka dreaming, as well as bush tucker. It was a favoured food item among desert Aboriginal tribes, and the fat was used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes.

  1. ^ Shea, G.; Ellis, R.; Wilson, S.; Oliver, P. (2018). "Varanus giganteus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T83777786A101752310. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T83777786A101752310.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ Australian Biological Resources Study (16 August 2012). "Species Varanus giganteus (Gray, 1845)". Australian Faunal Directory. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory: Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Australian Government. Retrieved 28 July 2021.
  3. ^ Wegmann, Ute; Helman, Anthony (2011). Wild Whiskers and Tender Tales: Close Encounters with Australian Wildlife Rescue & Conservation. Wakefield Press. ISBN 978-1-86254-831-2.
  4. ^ Taylor, Chris (28 July 2023). A Cattleman in Disguise. LCT Productions Pty Limited. ISBN 978-1-925441-17-8.