PARENT SESSION
Contributed Oral Session 2: Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Monday, August 8, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Meeting Room 513 C, Level 5, Palais des congrès de Montréal

Ethnoecological knowledge of the rock kangaroos of western Arnhem Land, Australia.

Telfer, Wendy^*,1, Garde, Murray¹, ¹ Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

ABSTRACT- The rock kangaroos of the tropics of north central Australia are some of the least studied kangaroo species, and information about their ecology is required for their conservation and management. Indigenous peoples of western Arnhem Land have detailed knowledge of the species, which has not been previously documented in any depth. Ethnoecological studies can assist senior Aboriginal people with transfer of knowledge and can give respect and meaningful employment to those involved. We used semi-directive interviews in the regional vernacular Bininj Kunwok, to record indigenous knowledge of the ecology of the four rock kangaroo species in the region. Discussions focussed on habitat and water use, diet, activity patterns, reproduction, predation, and hunting practices. The ethnoecological knowledge of the rock kangaroo species was extensive, and both complemented and extended that reported in the scientific literature. In contrast to scientific understanding of taxonomy and ecology, consultants recognized the rock kangaroos as a natural group. Yet they also described subtle differences in the species' comparative ecology. This study is one of the most comprehensive ethnozoological studies of a group of species undertaken in Australia.

Key words: Traditional Ecological Knowledge, ethnozoology, mammal ecology