Disciplines — Fiona J Walsh

Learning about species like Knobbly hibiscus (Radyera farragei) allows for lifelong interests – so many plants to know!

The Seven Sisters reflect in Ilparpa claypans. In the 80s, Martu women taught Fiona that Jakulykulyu marked the hot season. Desert people shared Jukurrpa epics in the national Songlines exhibition.

With a River red gum and Alice Springs locals - we met to discuss eucalypt ecology and practical actions to reduce loss of trees to fire, weeds and neglect (Olive Pink Botanic Garden 2018).

Sophisticated and multifunctional tools including basal grindstones and mortars, axe head, stone tools, spear and spear thrower belonging to Eastern Arrernte families.

Arrernte ranger Gibson John by an Apere (River red gum) exposed by erosion of Yam Creek. Extreme changes from horses, cattle and altered vegetation and rainfall regimes under climate change (2015).

The variable environments of arid regions provoke many ecological questions including about Gidgea (Acacia georginae) near Santa Teresa. Why has this large robust long-lived shrub died?

Fiona’s expertise and interests include the following topics and she works with specialists as needed. She supervises students and provides staff mentoring in these topics too.

Environmental science and social science
Arid systems ecology and human ecology
Indigenous knowledge systems and practices
Bush foods, bush medicines and other resources
Natural resource enterprises and businesses
Indigenous Protected Area and Parks - planning, monitoring and/or review
Fires and burning by people
Climate change and human coping strategies
Animal species and their deeper cultural meanings
Trees and stories – A passion for old trees and trees with stories
Waters and wetland management
Mapping by participatory and scientific approaches
Implications and adaptations of contemporary technologies in cross-cultural contexts
Jukurrpa / Altyerr / Dreaming - Interpretations for plants and animals
Story-telling, symbols and metaphors
Art and stories - Documentation and interpretations
Handing back - Cultural repatriation and re-vitalisation