<
https://theconversation.com/scientists-worked-with-warlpiri-to-track-down-bilby-poo-and-uncover-clues-to-help-conserve-these-iconic-animals-245153>
"The greater bilby (
Macrotis lagotis) is one of Australia’s most iconic yet
at-risk animals — and the last surviving bilby species. Once found across 70%
of Australia, its range has contracted by more than 80% since European
colonisation.
Today, these nocturnal marsupials, still culturally significant to many
Indigenous peoples, are restricted to remote deserts. They face an ongoing
threat of extinction.
Local elders, Indigenous rangers and scientists hold valuable knowledge about
bilby populations, the threats they face, and strategies needed to sustain them
into the future.
Our new study, published today in
Conservation Science and Practice, reveals
how collaboration between scientists and Indigenous land managers can help
yield new and vital information.
In the field, we used two methods – one based on Warlpiri knowledge and one
based on standard scientific protocols – to locate bilbies and collect scat
(poo) samples in the North Tanami Indigenous Protected Area in the Northern
Territory.
By drawing on Warlpiri tracking expertise and Western scientific methods, we
uncovered crucial information on bilby populations that could help conserve
these rare creatures."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
