5 CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT WALLABY SPECIES

Words by Dr Vanessa Barnett, WWF-Australia Indigenous Content Specialist (Yamatji Badimia)

Australia's unique wildlife has long been intertwined with the rich cultural tapestry of its Indigenous Peoples. Among the many iconic animals that feature prominently in Aboriginal lore and daily life, wallabies hold a special place. These agile marsupials have not only been important food sources but also feature in Dreamtime stories, art and traditional practices. 

Let's explore five wallaby species that have particular cultural significance to Aboriginal people across Country.

1. Andu or yellow-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus)

The yellow-footed rock-wallaby, known for its distinctive colours and ability to navigate rocky terrain, holds great importance for Aboriginal groups in central and southern Australia. 

Cultural Significance:

• Spiritual connection: Yellow-footed rock-wallabies are particularly significant to the Adnyamathanha people of the Flinders Ranges. They call the wallaby andu. An Adnyamathanha totem species, their protection is very important to many members of this language group. 
• Traditional food: The Adnyamathanha people (which translates to ‘rock people’)  hunted andu, placing traps (pits disguised with broombrush) along their usual paths. However, the distribution of meat was carefully managed by initiated men and other traditional uses of andu were well regulated.

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Many Aboriginal communities are actively involved in conservation efforts to protect this species, combining Traditional Knowledge with modern scientific approaches. Initially a pastoral station, the Nipapanha community established Nantawarrina in 1998, managing 58,000 hectares of Adnyamathanha lands between the Northern Flinders and Gammon Ranges National Parks in South Australia. The Nantawarrina Rangers look after this stunning Country through activities including the careful monitoring of the yellow-footed rock-wallaby population and managing threats like feral animals.

Other First Nations names for yellow-footed rock-wallaby

• Wangarru - Wiimpatja Parlku

2. Barrk or black wallaroo (Osphranter bernardus)

The black wallaroo, found in a limited range in the Northern Territory, holds special significance for Aboriginal groups in the Arnhem Land region.

Cultural Significance:

• Spiritual connection: In some Dreamtime stories, the black wallaroo is associated with powerful ancestral beings. Black wallaroos are said to be the 'pets' of Nakidjkidj spirits. They are also beloved companions of some Kunwinjku people. The male black wallaroo (Macropus bernadus) is known as barrk or nadjinem in Kunwinjku. The female is known as djukerre. It only lives in a small area of Stone Country.
• Traditional food: Its meat is considered a delicacy and has been an important protein source for local communities.
• Hunting practices: Tracking and hunting the elusive black wallaroo requires specialised skills that are passed down through generations.
• Environmental indicator: Traditional Knowledge about the black wallaroo's behaviour helps in understanding broader ecological patterns in its habitat.

Conservation Status: Near Threatened

Aboriginal rangers play a crucial role in monitoring populations and managing the land to preserve the black wallaroo's habitat.

For many Aboriginal groups in the region, the black wallaroo represents a living connection to their ancestors and traditional ways of life. Hunting practices associated with this species involve not just physical skills, but also spiritual preparation and adherence to cultural protocols. These traditions help maintain the deep bond between people and Country.

Today, as environmental challenges threaten many native species, the cultural Knowledge surrounding the black wallaroo becomes increasingly valuable. 

Indigenous ranger groups such as the Bawinanga Rangers work with scientists to monitor populations, using a combination of traditional tracking methods and modern technology. This collaboration strengthens conservation efforts and provides opportunities for transferring cultural Knowledge to younger generations.

Other First Nations names for barrk or black wallaroo

• nadjinem - Kunwinjku (local Bininj Kunwok dialects)
• djukerre (female) - Kunwinjku (local Bininj Kunwok dialects)

3. Black-flanked rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis)

The black-flanked rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis) is a wallaby species, one of several rock-wallaby species under the Petrogale genus. There are a number of subspecies, including the wiliji (Petrogale lateralis kimberleyensis), Petrogale lateralis lateralis and (Petrogale Iateralis centralis (Central Australian rock-wallaby), found in Central Australia (also known as warru by Traditional Owners of this region).

Cultural Significance:

• Dreamtime stories: Featured in Creation stories of the landscape, particularly the formation of rocky outcrops and caves. The Ngaanyatjarra people of Mantamaru (Jameson) have warru creation (tjukurrpa) stories connected to nearby hills. 
• Traditional food source: An important part of the diet for Aboriginal groups in arid and semi-arid regions.
• Water wisdom: In some stories, this species is credited with Knowledge of finding water in harsh environments.
• Totemic animal: Holds special spiritual significance for certain family groups or clans.
• Art inspiration: Depicted in both ancient rock art and contemporary Aboriginal artwork.

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Traditional Ecological Knowledge about this species includes detailed understanding of its habitat preferences, behaviour, and role in the ecosystem. This Knowledge has been crucial for sustainable hunting practices and is now being integrated into conservation strategies.

In recent years, several culturally collaborative conservation programs have focused on protecting and reintroducing the black-flanked rock-wallaby to parts of its former range, including Kalbarri National Park.

These projects not only aim to boost the species' population but also provide opportunities for cultural education and employment in remote communities.

The Warru Recovery Team in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands of South Australia is a prime example of such initiatives. Here, Traditional Owners work alongside scientists to monitor populations, manage threats and conduct breeding programs for warru in care. This collaborative approach ensures that conservation efforts are culturally appropriate and benefit both the species and the local community.

Other First Nations names for subspecies within the black-flanked rock-wallaby classification

• bokal - Noongar
• moororong - Noongar
• kakuya - Tjaru, Walmatjari, Wangkatjungka
• lungkarrpa - Walmatjari, Wangkatjungka
• pakultarra - Manytjiytjarra, Putitjarra 
• tanpa - Manytjiytjarra
• tjinangalku - Kukatja, Ngaatjatjarra, Wangkatjungka
• tjirti - Kartutjarra, Manytjiytjarra, Putitjarra
• wartilara - Ngaanyatjarra, Ngaatjatjarra, Pintupi, Pitjantjatjarra
• galyawirri, minyurla - Wajarri

4. Manggaban or spectacled hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes conspicillatus)

The spectacled hare-wallaby, known for its distinctive facial markings, is found in northern Australia, including parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland.

Cultural significance:

• Dreamtime stories: Features in Creation narratives connected to Warlpiri Country, often associated with the journey of Yarripiri, an ancestral inland taipan snake.

• Traditional food source: An important animal for many Aboriginal groups in its range.

• Seasonal indicator: Its behaviour and breeding patterns are used in some traditional calendars to mark seasonal changes.

• Fur use: Its soft pelt has been used in the creation of traditional items and clothing.

• Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Traditional understanding of its habitat preferences informs broader land management practices.

Conservation Status: Least Concern (but facing localised declines)

The spectacled hare-wallaby holds a special place in the cultural landscape of northern Australia. For example, as Kimberley Biocultural Conservation Specialist at WWF-Australia Pius Gregory reveals, the spectacled hare-wallaby (‘manggaban’ in Yawuru language) is particularly culturally significant to the Yawuru people. This sacred species has Burungu skin, one of four skin groups Yawuru people and animals belonged to, which define kinship and connection to the environment.

Its ability to thrive in a variety of habitats, from grasslands to woodlands, is often seen as a reflection of the adaptability and resilience valued in many Aboriginal cultures.

The hunting of spectacled hare-wallabies has traditionally required specialised skills and Traditional Knowledge, which are passed down through generations. This includes understanding its behaviour, preferred habitats, and the best times for hunting. Today, while hunting practices have changed, this Traditional Ecological Knowledge continues to inform conservation efforts and land management strategies.

The cultural significance of the manggaban or spectacled hare-wallaby has taken on new dimensions as it faces threats from changed fire regimes, feral predators and habitat alteration in some areas. 

The spectacled hare-wallaby's status as a ‘Least Concern’" species overall, despite facing localised declines, makes it an important indicator of ecosystem health in many areas. For Aboriginal communities, maintaining healthy populations of this wallaby is seen as crucial for maintaining the overall balance and health of their traditional lands.

Other First Nations Names for manggaban or spectacled hare-wallaby

• Wampana - Warlpiri, Kutjata, Kurintji, Mutpura, Pintupi, Tjinkili, Tjaru, Wangkatjunka
• wularla - Kunwinjku
• kwalpa  - Anmatjara, Eastern and Western Arrernte, Katitja 
• irlyaku - Katitja
• marrkapurr, Pitang - Karatjari
• tjantjipuka, Tjunngaru - Kartutjarra, Nyangamarta
• mirlpatiri, Tingarri - Kutjata
• ukalpi - Luritja, Ngaatjatjarra, Pitjantjatjarra
• mirlpatiri - Mangala, Tjaru, Warlpiri
• pitan, Warngaru - Mangala
• milparti, Tjantjipuka - Manytjilytjarra
• mukalpi - Ngaatjatjarra, Pintupi
• pukalpi - Ngaatjatjarra 
• yukalpi - Pintupi 
• mangkapan - Tjaru, Wangkatjunka 
• kalama - Tjinkili
• yulkaminyi - Warlpiri