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Perentie | Daily Animal Facts

Animal profile

Perentie

Varanus giganteus

ReptiliaRocky arid ranges, gorges and gibber plainsLeast Concern

Field profile

The perentie is Australia's largest lizard and the fourth largest in the world, reaching about two and a half metres. It is a shy, fast monitor of rocky desert country, sheltering in deep burrows and crevices. It hunts insects, reptiles, birds, mammals and carrion, and is a traditional food in parts of Aboriginal Australia.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2025-12-20

Perentie

Australia's largest lizard is rarely seen

The perentie reaches about two and a half metres, making it the biggest lizard on the continent, yet it is among the least often encountered. It lives in remote rocky desert, keeps deep burrows, and flees at long distance.

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