Central Australia ReptilesCentral-netted Dragon Perentie

Central Australia is home to the Perentie (Varanus giganteus), our largest reptile in Central Australia. The Perentie grows to approximately 2.5 metres in size and weight 20 kg, although it can grow to 3 metres in length, weighing up to 40 kg.

Perentie (Varanus giganteus) near Rodinga (Rodinga Siding), NT
Perentie (Varanus giganteus) near Rodinga (Rodinga Siding), NT
Perentie (Varanus giganteus) near Rodinga (Rodinga Siding), NT
Perentie (Varanus giganteus) near Rodinga (Rodinga Siding), NT
Perentie (Varanus giganteus) near Rodinga (Rodinga Siding), NT
Perentie (Varanus giganteus) near Rodinga (Rodinga Siding), NT
Perentie (Varanus giganteus) near Rodinga (Rodinga Siding), NT
Perentie (Varanus giganteus) near Rodinga (Rodinga Siding), NT
Perentie (Varanus giganteus) near Rodinga (Rodinga Siding), NT
Perentie (Varanus giganteus) near Rodinga (Rodinga Siding), NT

Following is a juvenile Perentie (Varanus giganteus).

Juvenile Perentie (Varanus giganteus), Alice Springs Reptile Centre NT
Juvenile Perentie (Varanus giganteus), Central Australia NT
Closeup of perentie skin
Closeup of perentie skins (from different individuals and ages)

It is a significant reptile to some of the local Aboriginal groups, featuring in their ceremonies and dreaming. They are often depicted in Aboriginal paintings and other local artists.

The Goanna and the Perentie © Trephina Sultan
The Goanna and the Perentie © Trephina Sultan
Perentie by Artist Dan Murphy, 26 March, 2015 (at the Undoolya Rd roundabout)
Perentie by Artist Dan Murphy, 26 March, 2015 (at the Undoolya Rd roundabout)

The perentie is also an important food source and next to the kangaroo, still enjoyed by many aboriginal people.

Dorothy Napangardi with perentie
Dorothy Napangardi at Mina Mina with perentie © Gallery Gondwana

Central Australia ReptilesCentral-netted Dragon Perentie

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