Uunguu Plants and Animals is a comprehensive documentation of Wunambal Gaambera people’s biological knowledge and biocultural heritage from Wunambal Gaambera Country in the north-west Kimberley, Australia – an acknowledged biodiversity ‘hot spot’. Uunguu means ‘our living home’.
Over many thousands of years our ancestors’ existence relied on continual learning, using and looking after the natural resources on our traditional lands and in our seas. Traditional laws, customs and practices determine how they are gathered and shared amongst people. Many of the plants and animals described in this book are our important traditional sources of food and are described in this context. Wunambal Gaambera plant and animal names and use information, with scientific names and some common names, along with illustrations for 217 plants and 345 animals are included. Introductory chapters detail the regional setting, landscapes, climate, Wunambal Gaambera seasons and Wunambal Gaambera languages. Photos of the authors, fieldwork being conducted on Country, key animals, marine life and bush tucker also feature.
Wunambal Gaambera people have published this book for knowledge preservation, education and language maintenance. This book honours the wish of our Elders that their traditional knowledge from Wanjina Wunggurr culture be passed to future Wunambal Gaambera generations. The book is a valuable knowledge tool for Wunambal Gaambera land and sea managers, in particular the Uunguu Rangers who are implementing our Healthy Country Plan (WGAC 2010) [insert link] to keep our Wunambal Gaambera Country healthy. It also serves as an invaluable resource for scientists, conservationists and environmental enthusiasts interested in north Kimberley flora and fauna.
