The perentie is Australia’s largest goanna (monitor lizard), growing to over 2.5 metres long and weighing in at up to 20 kg.

Perenties have long claws that mean they can easily climb trees. They often stand on their strong back legs and tail to get a better view of the surrounding landscape.

They have a carnivorous diet, preying on insects, other lizards, birds, rabbits and even small kangaroos.

Perentie make good bush tucker, but they aren’t always easy to find. They generally try to avoid people and can run away extremely fast when detected.