Evaluating the status of species using Indigenous knowledge
Drawing on the wealth of knowledge and experience of Aboriginal people living in remote areas of northern Australia this project maps the status, distribution and population trends of mammals across a large area of remote landscapes poorly known to Western scientists.
The project employed social science research methods and semi-structured interviews of over 150 participants across 30 remote communities. A series of specimen skins were prepared to aid with identifications and discussions. Analyses were conducted using non-parametric statisics to test... and status and distribution information was mapped using Geographic Information Systems.
Key impacts & project outputs
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Filled in large knowledge gaps
Data cleaning and reformatting of longterm turtle nest monitoring datasets was conducted to improve the project's data management procedures and improve data utility and reliability.
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Textbook example
As one of the first studies of its kind to draw on the value of Indigenous knowledge to contribute to and complement Western science to document the status of species the research featured as a case study in Richard Primack's "Essentials of Conservation Biology" textbook
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Media coverage & outreach
The project generated significant local, national and international media attention.
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Stimulated new conservation projects
A range of engaging interactive data visualisations were developed to illuminate different dimensions of the leatherback turtle's breeding biology, movement patterns and diving behaviour.
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Local employment & capacity development
A range of engaging interactive data visualisations were developed to illuminate different dimensions of the leatherback turtle's breeding biology, movement patterns and diving behaviour.
Publications & media
Evaluating the status of species using Indigenous knowledge: Novel evidence for major native mammal declines in northern Australia
Biological Conservation 157:78-92 (2013)
Published in the leading international journal for conservation science Biological Conservation this research paper documents the study in detail.
Authors: Ziembicki, M., Mackey, B. & Woinarski, JCZ
Stemming the tide: progress towards resolving the causes of decline and implementing management responses for the disappearing mammal fauna of northern Australia
THERYA 6: 169-227 (2015)
This peer-reviewed journal article brings together leading scientists to review progress made in relation to conservation and management of Australia's mammals and includes a section on the Indigenous knowledge study.
Authors: Ziembicki, M., Woinarski, JCZ, et al (multiple authors)
Indigenous knowledge reveals widespread mammal decline in northern Australia
Mongabay website - February 2013
A news focussed article summarising the research findings published on the renown environmental news site Mongabay
Authors: Liz Kimbrough
Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Catalyst program featured the research project highlighting the integration of traditional Aboriginal knowledge with western science to better understand one of Australia's most pressing biodiversity conservation issues - the decline of it's native mammal species.
