Lizard traps constructed by First Nations people on Western Australia's south coast create reptile habitats which can guide granite outcrop conservation, research from the University of Western Australia has found.
Lizard traps, a practice involved in caring for Granite Country, are propped-up rock slabs to provide habitat for and catch reptiles.
First published in Pacific Conservation Biology, the study investigated traps at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve on the coast of Albany, as well other regions along the south coast of WA.
It found First Nations-constructed lizard traps "create reptile habitat as a key principle of caring for granite Country".
Lead authors Dr Lynette Knapp and Dr Susie Cramp, along with other researchers, used time-lapse cameras to investigate the ecological role of the lizard traps.
"Reptiles use lizard traps because they must bask in Boornura (Autumn) to obtain enough energy to hibernate over winter," Dr Knapp, a Merningar Barduk Elder and WA Adjunct Research Fellow, 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."
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The study found at least seven reptile groups use lizard traps on the south coast for a range of activities, including heat regulation and shelter.
Dr Susie Cramp from UWA's School of Biological Sciences said the region was at significant risk of human disturbance.
"Reptiles were observed at 60 per cent 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," she said.
Time-lapse photos revealed reptiles basking on, near, and entering and exiting lizard traps, with more occurrences of reptiles entering lizard traps than exiting.
Constructed possibly thousands of years ago in very precise locations chosen for their thermo-regulatory properties and proximity to reptile activity, the study concluded lizard traps are culturally and ecologically important features of granite outcrops and they need greater recognition and protection.
"Lizard traps teach us that caring for granite Country involves minimising disturbance, appreciating the deep and nuanced knowledge of the landscape and multi-generational thinking," the report concludes.
"We highlight that lizard traps are both culturally and ecologically important and require much greater levels of protection."
Despite their cultural importance, the study found public awareness of traps remains low, and they are at risk from destruction and removal.
"Lizard traps were created for human survival, and they teach us that caring for granite Country involves minimising disturbance, deep knowledge of the landscape and multi-generational thinking," Dr Knapp said.
