Goanna, Monitor, PerentieBlack Headed Goanna Lace Monitor (Varanus varius) Perentie Pygmy Mulga Goanna Sand Goanna
There are few tree-dwelling reptiles in Arid Australia, but wherever there are sufficient trees or shrubs, this species, the Pygmy Mulga Goanna (Varanus gilleni) can be found.
The mulga shrublands favoured by this species are sensitive to disturbance and while they are extensive now, their range could be dramatically reduced by changing factors like bushfire frequency, increased pastoral activity, mining and other ‘developments’. They are also found on the spinifex sandplains of north western and central Australia. As well as mulga trees, they can also be found in the hollows of eucalyptus and under the loose bark of the desert she-oaks.
Common name
Known as the pygmy mulga goanna, the pygmy mulga monitor, mulga monitor, Gillen’s monitor.
Check out the Alice Springs Reptile Centre to see a great collection of reptiles.
Photos © Ausemade PL
- Scientific classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Varanidae
- Genus: Varanus
- Subgenus: Odatria
- Species: V. gilleni
- Binomial name: Varanus gilleni
Goanna, Monitor, PerentieBlack Headed Goanna Lace Monitor (Varanus varius) Perentie Pygmy Mulga Goanna Sand Goanna
ReptilesReptile Index Central Netted Dragon Ctenotus leonhardii Ctenotus saxatilis Crocodile Geckos Gidgee Skink Goanna, Monitor, Perentie Inland Bearded Dragon Lined Firetail Skink Long-nose Dragon Serpentes Skinks Spiny-tailed Goanna Thorny Devil Yellow-Bellied Water Skink (Eulamprus heatwolei)
