Water, Sodium and Energy Turnover in Free-Living Perenties, Varanus-Giganteus

Abstract

Isotope turnover rates of perenties, Varanus giganteus, were determined during two consecutive summers on Barrow I., W.A. The turnover rates were significantly lower in the first summer than those in the second, and there were considerable differences in turnover rates between individuals in both years. Estimated rates of prey consumption were 7.3 and 36.4 g kg- day-l , respectively, during the two summers, and perenties were more active during the second summer. The mean daily energy expenditure for a 10-kg perentie was much higher in both years than that predicted by allometric equations for reptiles, which illustrates the need for obtaining data from larger species of reptiles in determining allometric relationships.