Wildlife and the Pastoral Industry

Pitjantjatjara, Ngaanyatjarra and Yankunytjatjara people have had a long association with the pastoral industry and an even longer relationship with wildlife. The kangaroo has been like the "bread of life" for people, which suggests their diet contained large quantities of meat according to the season. At Ernabella people worked in the sheep industry from the 1930's to the early 1970's when it was no longer profitable to continue with wool production. People were also very much involved in the cattle industry at Fregon, Amata and Warburton Ranges as well as the surrounding cattle properties.

Kangaroos' after the hunt

Rabbits, although not native have been a great source of food and have been hunted in a similar manner to kangaroo, emu, perenti, goanna and other forms of wildlife. Other animals like camels, donkeys and horses were used in the early days as a means of transport. The motor vehicle has taken over and these and other animals have become feral. The cat is no exception and to this day threatens the survival of many wildlife species on Aboriginal lands.

Managing and harvesting sheep, cattle and wildlife has been a good source of food and income for Aboriginal people. These activities are a function of the rangeland and the Land Management unit of Pitjantjatjara Council has made various contributions to assist those directly involved. The following topics provide information and illustrations useful to those working in this field. The Sheep Industry The Cattle Industry Management Tools - Exclosures

Marking lambs at Turners Bore - Spring 1969

Publications
The following fact sheets and pamphlets have been produced to help those working with wildlife and the pastoral industry on Aboriginal lands in Central Australia.

Fact Sheets and Pamphlets

• Rabbit Information - 1
• Rabbit Information - 2
• Rabbit Calicivirus