Wildlife at the PondsDingo Perentie

The Perentie (Varanus giganteus) is Australia’s largest lizard species, growing up to 2.5 metres in length. They are found throughout the arid Central Australian region, central Western Australia and outback Queensland. They are usually found in rocky ranges and outcrops, as well as the vast sandy deserts.

Pictured here, the Perentie appears to be living / sheltering in one of the sewage outlet pipes in the Alice Springs Sewage Ponds.

Perentie (Varanus giganteus), Alice Springs Sewage Ponds © Dorothy Latimer
Perentie (Varanus giganteus), Alice Springs Sewage Ponds © Dorothy Latimer

This young Perentie sighted at the Alice Springs Sewage Ponds appeared to be shedding its skin.

Perentie (Varanus giganteus), Alice Springs Sewage Ponds © Dorothy Latimer
Perentie (Varanus giganteus), Alice Springs Sewage Ponds © Dorothy Latimer

Check out our Reptiles section for information on the Perentie (Varanus giganteus) and Alice Springs Reptile Centre – Perentie.


  • Scientific classification
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Subphylum: Vertebrata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Squamata
  • Suborder: Sauria
  • Family: Varanidae
  • Genus: Varanus
  • Subgenus: Varanus
  • Species: Varanus giganteus

Wildlife at the PondsDingo Perentie

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