Why we need to collect predator poo

Indigenous people see the environment holistically. Country encompasses our lands, waterways, and skies as well as plants, animals. Our spiritual beliefs revolve around how we are intrinsically connected to all aspects of Country. Because of this First Nations cultures have observed, understood, and passed down ecological knowledge through generations.

Since colonisation people have tried to control Ngurra (Country) rather than observing and living with it, which hasn’t worked leading to devastating impacts on both people and ngurra. Since Invasion, First Nations peoples have been removed and prevented from performing land care practices which have been in place for thousands of years. Adding to that was the introduction of invasive species which have massacred our wildlife and disrupted the balance our People maintained.

Native predators such as the Binure (old mountain dingo), Mirragang (common dingo), Murruging (quoll), Mulleum (eagle) and Budda-yak (owl) are essential to the balance of Country. In order to protect our native wildlife, there is a need to further our understanding of predator and prey dynamics in this new world. The Predators on Country Project celebrates a culture of collaboration, by combining Traditional Cultural Knowledges and Western Science to learn more about Goola (Koala) predation for a healthy Ngurra. In partnership with UNSW, Gundungurra and Dharawal knowledge holders we are using Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, to identify prey species in predator scats on Dharawal Ngurra and Gundungurra Ngurra.

The Gundungurra Goola (Koala) story from Gunyunggalung (Far Times Past) says that Goola are invisible and are not typically preyed on by native predators. Through new technologies we are seeing confirmation of Gundungurra Ngurra knowledge and counteracting preconceived understanding of predator behaviours. eDNA is an evolving science and we are using it to learn about what predators are eating on Country. Through collection of organic samples researchers are able to match DNA sequences between samples and reference libraries to identify what species’ DNA are present. This technology has been used to analyse air, soil, and water, but we are using it on scat samples, aka poo samples.

We have collected 762 predator scat samples across areas with healthy Goola populations. Within these samples we have identified 144 different prey species including amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles and mammals. Previous scat analysis involved using hair and bone analysis which often can’t detect animals like fish and reptiles creating data bias. Through eDNA analysis we have been able to reduces bias, and prevent previously undetectable species being overlooked as prey.

Previous methods focused on things you could see, and these new methods help show us what we can't see with the naked eye. eDNA is even sensitive enough to identify prey species from previous meals. This technology is relatively new and it is not a magic tool, we still need to examine the results with local Indigenous knowledge and ecological knowledge to confirm species identification. Additionally, the use of camera traps at collection sites is being used to further support the findings. Traditional knowledge of what animals are meant to be (or were) in the landscape are supported by the eDNA analysis even though some animals have not been recorded by western scientists on Country for many years.

Gundungurra ecological knowledge is supported by the eDNA results as Goola DNA was only found in two Fox scats. Despite Mirragang (Dingo) being reported to be the Goola’s greatest threat no native predators contained Koala DNA in their scats. Instead, native predators were found to be consuming typical prey species and honouring their role in keeping balance on ngurra. Feral predators were consuming huge amounts of native species with a selection towards small to medium sized animals. There is no Gundungarra word for feral predators like cats and foxes. Not having a name is an indicator that they shouldn’t be there.

Western science can have a narrow view when viewing ecosystems and often doesn’t prioritise holistic understandings of Country. This was evident when genetic databases were missing the genetic coding for many animals found on Country. These animals include our dyirri-dyir-ratch (willie wagtail), Gerarc (wattlebird), Gerregang (currawong) Goorangboon (grey butcherbird) Guurambuun (pied butcherbird), animals which play important roles in our stories and in our ecosystems. It is important to not only focus on endangered animals but a holistic view of Country’s ecosystem.

Indigenous agency and involvement in this project has helped to rectify these oversights, ensuring these animals are not excluded and their presence and role on Country recorded. The genetic gaps are also being compiled into a reference database that will be available to the world. The Predators on Country Project has also enabled local Aboriginal people to access areas we have been denied to for over 70 years, but had previously managed for tens of thousands. Access to our traditional lands have allowed us to connect to our home and share cultural knowledge between generations.

We know that when we care for Ngurra and focus on entire ecosystem health - harmony and balance can have a chance. This project has prioritised sharing knowledges between culture and science to achieve the same outcomes. By recognising and using old Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and young Western scientific methods this project gives us better understanding of the health of Country now and how to heal Country for our shared future.

Kazan Brown is a Gundungurra Traditional Owner and staunch advocate for her Country and Culture. She has Ancestral ties to the Burragorang and Warragamba Valleys, and is a descendant of Dundowra, she has maintained those ties and continues them by passing on her Valley’s dreaming stories on to her children.

Kazan has used the knowledge passed down to her by her Elders to fight for the health and protection of her Country, being a powerful opponent to the raising of the Warragamba dam, and partner with NSW Koala Strategy and UNSW's Centre for Ecosystem Science, on research into koala predation and embedding First Nations perspectives and knowledges into Western research projects.