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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 28(2)

Aboriginal perspectives on kangaroo management in South Australia

D. A. Thomsen A D , K. Muir B and J. Davies C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A The University of Adelaide, School of Agriculture Food and Wine, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.

B Marnta Media, PO Box 4536, Kalgoorlie, WA 6433, Australia.

C CSIRO Centre for Arid Zone Research, PO Box 2111, Alice Springs, NT 0871, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: dana.thomsen@adelaide.edu.au

The Rangeland Journal 28(2) 127-137 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ05028
Submitted: 9 August 2005  Accepted: 3 May 2006   Published: 9 November 2006

Abstract

Kangaroos are culturally significant to Aboriginal people but Aboriginal people are generally not involved in kangaroo management or in the kangaroo industry. Our research has provided the first opportunity for Aboriginal people in South Australia to present their perspectives on the commercial harvest of kangaroos. Research methods were qualitative, involving consultations with authoritative Aboriginal people about their perspectives, aspirations, and how they see their rights and interests in relation to the commercial harvest of kangaroos. We found diverse views on this topic from Aboriginal research participants. For some Aboriginal people, strict cultural protocols preclude any involvement in the commercial harvest, but for people from other regions where the cultural laws concerning kangaroos are quite different, there is interest in developing enterprises based on kangaroo harvest. Despite the diversity of views about commercial kangaroo harvest, Aboriginal people across South Australia highly value kangaroos, and want to be included in decision-making processes for kangaroo management. There is potential for appropriate engagement of Aboriginal people in kangaroo management through improved communication, greater understanding and respect for the diversity of Aboriginal perspectives and protocols regarding native wildlife.

Additional keywords: commercial, cultural, harvest, hunting, people, wildlife.


Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the research participants who gave readily of their time and knowledge to inspire and inform this research. In particular the support and assistance of Yami Lester made it possible to conduct and present this research in a culturally appropriate and accurate manner. The research was supported by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and Land and Water Australia. Two anonymous referees provided useful comment on earlier versions of the manuscript.


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1Throughout this paper the authors refer to ‘Aboriginal people’ rather than using another term, such as ‘Indigenous’ or ‘Aborigine’. The authors chose to use this term of reference because this is the term that Aboriginal people that we spoke to used to describe themselves.

2Population estimates are primarily derived from annual aerial survey.

3Other states that commercially harvest kangaroo species are: NSW, Qld, WA and Tas.

4An overview of the research project’s aims and preliminary findings is published in the Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture (2005) 45, 1239–1243.

5Statement during community meeting in far north of South Australia on 14 March 2003.

6Statement during scoping study in Flinders Ranges region on 8 December 2002.

7Statement during community meeting in Flinders Ranges region on 10 July 2003.

8Statement during feedback/verification phase in far north of South Australia on 27 February 2004.

9Statement during community meeting in Flinders Ranges region on 8 July 2003.

10Statement during community meeting in far north of South Australia on 12 March 2003.

11It is possible for people who live on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunyjatjara Lands (APY Lands) to apply for a firearms license without undergoing a written test and in certain circumstances this concession may be granted to other people for whom literacy is an issue. However, Aboriginal people that we spoke to who do not live on the APY Lands are unaware of this provision.

12Statement during feedback/verification phase in far north of South Australia on 27 February 2004.

13This issue was also raised by Adnyamathanha people at the 1988 Emu Conference where direction from Aboriginal people on their aspirations for land management was sought. The conference was largely funded by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

14Statement during community meeting in Flinders Ranges region on 10 July 2003.

15Aboriginal people refer to ‘National Parks and Wildlife Service’ rather than the title currently in use by the department: South Australian Department for Environment and Heritage.

16Statement during scoping study in Flinders Ranges region on 6 December 2002.

17Statement during community meeting in Flinders Ranges region on 10 July 2003.

18Statement during community meeting in Flinders Ranges region on 10 July 2003.

19Statement during scoping study in Flinders Ranges region on 11 December 2002.

20This was also one of the recommendations from the 1988 Emu Conference.

21Statement during taped interview with a landholder 24 January 2003.

22Statement during taped interview with a landholder 20 January 2003.

23Statement during community meeting in Flinders Ranges region on 8 July 2003.

24Statement during community meeting in Flinders Ranges region on 8 July 2003.