This is not strictly true, as women also capture snakes, fish, goannas and tortoises and men may collect fruit, plant tubers and shellfish. Visit the Web site Aboriginal Trail to learn more about some of the plants they used . Animal foods include kangaroos, possums, ducks, snakes, goannas, lobsters, shellfish, witchetty grubs, crabs, tortoises and seals. Find out what types of animals and plants are common in your local area and the food supplies that have been used by local Aboriginal people before and after the British invasion. Looking after country By eating a large variety of foods in a systematic and sustainable manner Aboriginal food gathering techniques can ensure that no one food source can be over-exploited.
Plant foods eaten include wild fruit, nuts, berries, edible leaves and plant roots.
Enough seeds are left so that there will always be new growth. The young of any animal species, or any female if it is still caring for its offspring are rarely killed . When collecting eggs from a bird's nest some are always left to hatch thus ensuring the survival of the species. Certain food taboos associated with specific clan totems also prohibited food being eaten by certain individuals. This complex system of food taboos adds to the overall sustainability of food sources.