In the arid landscapes of Central Australia, the Tjakuṟa (great desert skink, Liopholis kintorei) is a symbol of both cultural significance and environmental importance. For the Aṉangu people, the Tjakuṟa is not just a species; it is deeply tied to their traditions, laws, and the very land that sustains them. This connection is best captured through Tjukurpa, the Aṉangu law, which emphasizes the importance of caring for one another and the land. The Tjakuṟa is an integral part of this worldview, and its role extends far beyond that of a simple creature of the desert.
Leroy Lester, a Traditional Owner and Aṉangu Engagement Officer, eloquently explains this relationship: “The great desert skink, Tjakuṟa, is part of a creation story that comes through here, through the park. It’s very important for keeping that connection to the land, for land management and keeping those stories.”
This reverence for the Tjakuṟa extends to the scientific community as well, where efforts to protect and understand the species have been bolstered by close collaboration with the Aṉangu people and their traditional knowledge. This partnership is central to the study and conservation of the Tjakuṟa and highlights the intersection of scientific research and cultural wisdom in land management.
The Tjakuṟa’s Role in the Desert Ecosystem
The Tjakuṟa is a large lizard that lives in the arid regions of central and western Australia. Unlike many other desert-dwelling species, the Tjakuṟa is known for its social behavior and lives in multi-tunneled communal burrows. These burrows, often located in sandy soils, provide shelter from the harsh desert conditions and are essential for the survival of the species.
However, the Tjakuṟa is facing significant challenges. The species is classified as vulnerable to extinction, a status it holds due to several factors, including a decline in range and numbers, predation by non-native species such as cats and foxes, and changes in the natural fire regimes of the desert. These challenges have made the species a priority for conservation efforts, and it is listed under the Threatened Species Action Plan 2022–2032 as a species in urgent need of protection.
Dr. David Thuo, a researcher who has previously studied cheetahs in Kenya, is now working to understand more about the Tjakuṟa’s habits and needs. As part of his postdoctoral research at the Australian National Wildlife Collection, Thuo has teamed up with the Aṉangu Rangers and the Central Land Council’s Tjakuṟa Rangers to gain insights into the lizard’s behavior, population, and diet.
“We rely on Aṉangu Traditional Knowledge to locate Tjakuṟa burrows, estimate burrow occupancy and identify predator tracks,” says Thuo. By working closely with the local Indigenous Rangers, he emphasizes the importance of collaboration in studying and conserving the species. This partnership ensures that the scientific research is deeply informed by the cultural context of the Tjakuṟa, offering a more holistic approach to land and species management.
Non-Invasive Research Methods
A key aspect of Thuo’s work is the use of non-invasive methods to study the Tjakuṟa, a technique that aligns with both scientific and Aṉangu values. One of the most innovative approaches Thuo employs is the extraction of environmental DNA (eDNA) from soil samples, burrow samples, and scat. This method involves collecting genetic material from the environment—without needing to capture or disturb the animals themselves.
Using eDNA, Thuo can analyze the DNA in these samples to estimate the number of Tjakuṟa in a given area and even determine what they are eating. This process, known as metabarcoding, has proven to be highly effective in monitoring populations and understanding the dietary habits of the species.
Thuo’s research has revealed that the Tjakuṟa is an omnivore, feeding on a varied diet that includes fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. Among the most commonly detected foods are fruit flies, beetles, mosquitoes, termites, spiked mallow, bush tomatoes, and wild turnip. This dietary flexibility helps the Tjakuṟa survive in the harsh desert environment, where food availability can be unpredictable.
Interestingly, the research also found that the Tjakuṟa’s diet does not differ significantly between seasons or age groups, suggesting that their foraging patterns are relatively consistent throughout the year. This finding is important for understanding the species’ ecological role and how it adapts to the challenging desert ecosystem.
A Glimpse into the Past: Genetic Research
While the Tjakuṟa is the focus of contemporary conservation efforts, researchers are also looking to the past to understand how the species has changed over time. During a recent survey, a deceased Tjakuṟa was respectfully donated to the Australian National Wildlife Collection with permission from the Aṉangu people. Although the loss of the animal was unfortunate, its preservation provides valuable genetic material for future research.
Comparing the DNA of this modern specimen with older samples collected in the 1960s and stored in a museum in Darwin will help researchers track changes in the Tjakuṟa’s population over the decades. These comparisons can also shed light on how the species has responded to environmental changes such as shifts in climate and habitat.
One of the cutting-edge techniques used in this research is epigenetic time travel, which explores how environmental factors influence genetic expression. This method allows scientists to study not only the genetic makeup of the Tjakuṟa but also how environmental pressures—like changing climates and fire regimes—may have influenced the species’ adaptation over time. The results could provide crucial insights into the Tjakuṟa’s resilience and vulnerability in the face of climate change.
Through these efforts, scientists have also succeeded in sequencing the first complete mitochondrial genome of the Tjakuṟa. This genomic data will serve as an important resource for genetic studies and will contribute to the growing database of skink genomes available for research.
Conservation Implications and Future Directions
The research on the Tjakuṟa is not just about understanding the species’ biology but also about developing effective conservation strategies for its protection. According to Thuo, the findings from this research will help guide future conservation efforts by informing decisions about fire management and translocation programs aimed at boosting genetic diversity.
“Tjakuṟa is guiding us in how to look after the land,” says Leroy Lester. “He is a local here. Tjakuṟa is here because of the creation story.”
By aligning scientific research with Indigenous knowledge, conservationists can better understand the ecological processes that sustain the desert ecosystems and develop land management strategies that reflect these complex relationships.
For example, Indigenous fire management practices, which are informed by both traditional knowledge and modern science, can help protect the Tjakuṟa’s habitat from the destructive impacts of uncontrolled wildfires. These fire management techniques have been shown to promote biodiversity and reduce the risk of devastating fires, which are becoming more frequent and intense in the face of climate change.
In addition to fire management, the research on the Tjakuṟa’s genetics could support efforts to translocate individuals to areas where populations are declining, thereby increasing genetic diversity and ensuring the long-term survival of the species.
Through collaboration with Indigenous communities and the use of cutting-edge scientific techniques, researchers are creating a more sustainable and culturally respectful approach to conservation that benefits both people and the land.
Conclusion
The story of the Tjakuṟa is one of partnership and respect—between scientists and Traditional Owners, between modern research and ancient wisdom. The species’ survival is intricately linked to both the ecological health of the desert and the cultural health of the Aṉangu people. By combining traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific techniques, researchers are crafting a more holistic approach to conservation, one that can serve as a model for preserving not only the Tjakuṟa but other species across Australia and beyond.
As Leroy Lester puts it, the Tjakuṟa’s presence in the desert is a reminder of the ongoing connection between the people, their stories, and the land. Through careful study and respectful conservation efforts, there is hope that the Tjakuṟa will continue to thrive for generations to come, guiding the way for future generations to care for the land and its creatures.
Reference: David Thuo et al, Metabarcoding clarifies the diet of the elusive and vulnerable Australian tjakura (Great Desert Skink, Liopholis kintorei), Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2024.1354138