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Ancient taxonomic record - Groote Eylandt

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Con Costa

Today we went to look at some of the rock art on Groote Eylandt. Earlier in the week the scientists were explaining how unique a place Groote Eylandt is due to the fact that the island is subject to strong oceanic currents. The marine fauna reflect the diversity of species that occur in the water surrounding the region such as false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens), shovel nose sharks (Aptychotrema rostrata) and sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). The cave paintings made on some sand stone escarpments reflect these very species as well as the presence of canoes, most likely from Indonesia. They provide an ancient taxonomic record of Groote Eylandt, its peoples and the importance those species have played and continue to play in their culture today.