What is a "perentie"?

A perentie is a large monitor lizard native to Australia, known for its impressive size and powerful build. It can reach lengths of up to 2.5 meters, making it the largest monitor lizard in Australia. The perentie has a distinctive pattern of scales and a strong, agile body that allows it to move swiftly across various terrains. It is an opportunistic predator, feeding on a variety of prey including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. The perentie plays an important ecological role in its ecosystem and is revered by Indigenous Australian cultures for its significance in their mythology and traditions.