Lizards basking in traps built by First Nations people
Researchers from The University of Western Australia found lizard traps constructed by First Nations people on Western Australia's south coast create reptile habitat, which can guide granite outcrop conservation.
Dr. Susie Cramp, from UWA's School of Biological Sciences, and WA Adjunct Research Fellow Dr. Lynette Knapp, a Merningar Barduk Elder, were lead authors of the study in Pacific Conservation Biology.
"Granite outcrops of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region are places of cultural and ecological significance that are at risk from human disturbance," Dr. Cramp said.
"The lizard traps, propped-up rock slabs on granite outcrops, are constructed by First Nations peoples to create habitat for and to catch reptiles."
Directed by Dr. Knapp and informed by a global literature review, the study investigated traps at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve on the coast of Albany and in adjacent regions along the central south coast, in Western Australia.
Researchers used time-lapse cameras to undertake a cross-cultural investigation into the ecological role of the lizard traps.
"We found at least seven reptile groups use lizard traps for activities including thermoregulation and shelter," Dr. Cramp said.
"Reptiles were observed at 60% of the lizard traps over one day and we found no difference between the occurrence, diversity, duration of presence, and thermoregulation of lizards in the traps or in natural rock formations."
The lizard traps were initially constructed, possibly thousands of years ago, in very precise locations chosen for their thermo-regulatory properties and proximity to reptile activity.
"Reptiles use lizard traps because they must bask in Boornura (Autumn) to obtain enough energy to hibernate over winter," Dr. Knapp said.
"Lizard traps offer suitable retreat sites to bask near because if they are disturbed by predators during this vulnerable activity, they can quickly and easily find safety."
The study concluded that lizard traps are culturally and ecologically important features of granite outcrops that need greater recognition and protection.
"Lizard traps were created for human survival, and they teach us that caring for granite Country involves minimizing disturbance, deep knowledge of the landscape and multi-generational thinking," Dr. Knapp said.
More information: Susie Cramp et al, Aboriginal-constructed lizard traps on Western Australia's south coast create reptile habitat and teach principles of granite outcrop conservation, Pacific Conservation Biology (2025).
Provided by University of Western Australia