Described as ‘monitors’ worldwide, in Australia they are more commonly called ‘goannas’. Seen by the early white settlers, the word ‘goanna’ is thought to have been derived from ‘iguana’ (which were familiar to them as the lizards found in South America).

Goannas are a varied group of carnivorous reptiles, consuming almost anything that can be caught and eaten. The small species mainly feed on invertebrates, other small reptiles, frogs and bird’s eggs. The large goannas are often found scavenging feeding on carrion, especially road kill.

In late 2005, University of Melbourne researchers discovered that perenties and goannas and other monitors are venomous, sharing a common venomous ancestor with snakes.