T here are few topics that prick the ears of conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts like traditional hunting . Opinions range from unconditional support , from those with a romantic view of indigenous cultures , to the polar opposite ( but equally prejudiced ) unconditional opposition . The intention of this article is not to argue for or against the controversies surrounding traditional hunting in Australia . However , it is important to acknowledge some of the common arguments in opposition to these practices . These can generally be boiled down to three major categories .
Conservation : all species of Australian wildlife can be legally harvested by traditional hunters , including those listed as threatened and endangered , without bag or size limits .
Hunting methods : traditional hunters do not have to use traditional methods . So long as safety and firearm laws are complied with , hunting practices can use any form of modern or historic implements or technology .
The perception of reverse racism : traditional hunting is only permitted for Indigenous Australians , who are therefore exempt from all hunting laws that other Australians are bound to .
Reptiles have always comprised a significant portion of the animals hunted by Indigenous Australians . Reasons for this include their abundance , the relative ease with which they can be captured ( in comparison to fish , bird and mammal quarry ) and because most reptiles can be easily kept alive until such time as they are needed . Reptiles have been used in this manner throughout history and in many cultures . Notably , hundreds of thousands of giant Galapagos tortoises were captured by European oceanic explorers in the 18 th and 19 th centuries for use as food and fuel ( oil for lamps ). The tortoises were popular owing to their size , fat content and longevity without the need for food or water , and this exploitation doubtless contributed to the extinction of some species .
Traditional hunting holds different significance for each group of Indigenous Australians . My experience with indigenous cultures in the Northern Territory , although spanning a large proportion of my life , is not vast . I have been lucky to live with the Bininj people from west Arnhem Land in Gunbalanya ( Oenpelli ) and have visited the Yolngu people of east Arnhem ; both hunt the tropical north of our country for a variety of different native animals . It has been a privilege to be invited on many hunting trips which have ranged from diving for sea turtles , shooting waterfowl , and even hunting for crocodiles and collecting their eggs .
Perhaps the most important reptiles to the traditional hunters of west Arnhem Land and the surrounding areas are the local species of freshwater and marine turtles ( with the exception of the giant Leatherback Turtle ), both species of crocodile and the Arafura File Snake . Prior to the spread of Cane Toads across the top end , the larger species of monitors were also commonly hunted . Due to the devastating impact the toads have had on monitor populations , these animals are now rarely hunted or even encountered . For the benefit of our herpetological community I will focus on describing the methods of reptile hunt that I am most familiar with in and around my home community .
Gunbalanya is surrounded by the floodplains and tributaries of the East Alligator River . As a result of this environment , the most common reptilian targets of traditional hunters are Ngalmangiyi ( al-mung-ee-yee ), the long-necked turtles ( Chelodina rugosa and C . burrungandjii ), and Ngardderrhwo ( ar-derr-woh ), the short-necked turtles ( Emydura tanybaraga and Wollumbinia latisternum ). These are the only species of side-necked freshwater turtles currently known in Gunbalanya and the
Left : Connie showing off an adult Pig-nosed Turtle caught with a baited hook in the upper reaches of the East Alligator River . All images by Gordon Canning .