A water health project run by the Bibbul Ngarma Aboriginal Association in the Perth Hills has captured images of quokkas, a species rarely seen outside of Rottnest Island. The discovery highlights the importance of Indigenous knowledge for understanding and protecting the environment.
An Aboriginal-run program studying water health in the Mandoon Bilya (Helena River) catchment in the Perth region has captured a population of quokkas on camera. While quokkas are known to occur in isolated locations in the Darling Range, this is the first time the creatures have been photographed in the Perth Hills.
As part of the project, the Bibbul Ngarma Aboriginal Association has worked to map cultural heritage, test water quality, monitor wildlife and develop a plan for the health of the river. Bibbul Ngarma Aboriginal Association chairperson Walter McGuire said that since colonization, river health has degraded. 'It's our role and responsibility as the First People of this land,' he told AAP. 'Since colonisation we've been denied our responsibility and role so we're bringing it back through this for people to understand this is how things have been done for millennia.' Senior Elder Greg Ugle said looking after the health of the river has important flow-on effects for the entire environment. 'Water quality is what determines the wildlife,' he said. 'We've found a number of surprising creatures within the Perth metropolitan region, which for us is exciting. 'Looking at these photographs, this is an important find for me. As a Noongar Traditional Elder, my intention is to be sure to protect these little animals.' Finding evidence of this quokka population in the area could help to inform conservation efforts for the species. 'These little animals are also forgotten and mainly thought of as just being on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island,' Mr McGuire said. 'We know ourselves that these and possibly others are out there in various locations, it's just a matter of capturing them on camera.' He said working together was the only way to get the best outcomes for Countr
ABORIGINAL QUOKKAS PERTH WATER HEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
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