Martu knowledge of mankarr (greater bilby): distribution, habitat, management

This report contains a compilation of Martu knowledge that was recorded during the project where KJ was working together with the University of Melbourne and The Nature Conservancy to re-design the monitoring program that rangers use to assess the status of mankarr. The information was recorded during 2016 and 2017 in Parnngurr, Punmu, Jigalong and Kunawarritji. Martu have detailed and complex knowledge of mankarr and many other aspects of country. Here we present the knowledge shared with us. The contents of this report are biased towards spatial information because we were mainly asking questions about: where mankarr are, what type of habitat mankarr like, and how to care for mankarr. We stress that Martu knowledge extends well beyond what is recorded here; we do not present information on Jukurrpa (Dreaming and Law), or describe how mankarr may relate to Martu culture and identity. Other Indigenous groups are likely to have similarly in depth knowledge relating to mankarr and other wildlife.