Traditional owner-led wartaji (dingo) research in Pirra Country (Great Sandy Desert): a case study from the Nyangumarta Warrarn Indigenous Protected Area

Abstract

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This article may contain images, names of or references to deceased Aboriginal people.

The Nyangumarta people are the Traditional Owners of more than 33,000 km² of land and sea in north-western Australia, encompassing Pirra Country (The Great Sandy Desert) and nearby coastal areas. They are also the custodians and managers of the Nyangumarta Warrarn Indigenous Protected Area (IPA). The wartaji (or dingo) holds immense cultural significance for the Nyangumarta people and is a vital part of a healthy Country. This inspired the community and rangers to focus on the wartaji as a key part of the management objectives of the IPA. We detail the development of the resulting collaborative research project between the IPA rangers and university-based scientists. The project not only presented an opportunity for the Nyangumarta community to deepen their understanding of wartaji residing on their Country, but also upskilled the Nyangumarta rangers in wartaji monitoring and management. This project is a testament to the importance of First Nations groups developing and addressing their research priorities. IPA-managed lands and associated ranger programs offer the perfect opportunity, funding and support to make these conservation-related decisions and implement actions. The collaboration with academic and non-academic researchers promises to enhance this conservation effort through mutual learning.