Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge & Consulting Services

This study investigates the diversity of edible insect larvae in Mamungari Conservation Park (MCP), South Australia, through the combined application of Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK) and DNA barcoding. Field surveys conducted in collaboration with Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara Traditional Owners during September 2017 by Bush Blitz resulted in the collection of 70 larval specimens across five host plant species. Using non-destructive DNA extraction protocols and COI gene amplification, 54 specimens (77%) returned viable sequences. Of these, 51 were confidently identified as Lepidoptera belonging to the genus Endoxyla (Family: Cossidae), while four were coleopteran larvae provisionally designated as Coleoptera sp. 11 and sp. 15.

The Kiwirrkurra Indigenous Protected Area (KIPA), located at the southern fringe of the Gibson Desert, is a site of profound biological and cultural significance for biodiversity surveys in Australia’s arid zone. The KIPA field survey, which I participated in during September 2015, was part of a broader research strategy that emphasized the importance of Aboriginal perspectives. This strategy focused on the taxonomic identification of edible insect species and their botanical hosts, utilizing Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK) alongside DNA barcoding within a framework of culturally grounded consulting. Collaborating with the Traditional Owners, including five members of the 'Pintupi Nine', was the highlight of this trip. Through our efforts, we identified four new edible insect species to contribute to Australia’s growing list of edible insect species, bridging science on country with traditional ecological knowledge.

 This study aimed to identify edible insect species in the Barrow Creek region of Australia using Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK) and DNA barcoding techniques. The research sought to answer several key questions: 1. How many edible insect species and associated botanical hosts are there in this study area? 2. Can DNA barcoding effectively match larval specimens to adult specimens? 3. And how does ATK contribute to the scientific understanding of edible insects?

In the context of the research, the main aim of the field survey was to identify the type of wood-boring insects that were causing damage to the Hopbush trees on the property, according to the property owner. The results of the field trip were compared with the results of DNA barcoding and insect identification to determine the species of wood-boring insects. The results showed that there were two types of wood-boring insects identified, which are Cossidae and Endoxyla. These species have been recorded in the region before, but their presence and distribution have not been well documented. The results of the field trip will be useful for identifying the species of wood-boring insects in the area and can be used to inform future management strategies.