title: Interpreting the mammal deposits of Cloggs Cave (SE Australia), GunaiKurnai Aboriginal Country, through community-led partnership research

authors: McDowell, Matthew

subjects: biogeographic change

abstract: Palaeontological animal bone deposits are rarely investigated through research partnerships where the local First Nations communities have a defining hand in both the research questions asked and the research processes. Here we report research undertaken through such a partnership approach at the iconic archaeological site of Cloggs Cave (GunaiKurnai Country, East Gippsland), in the southern foothills of SE Australia's Great Dividing Range. 
A new excavation was combined with detailed chronometric dating, high-resolution 3D mapping and geomorphological studies. This allowed interpretation of a sequence of stratigraphic layers spanning from a lowermost excavated mixed layer dated to between 25,640 and 48,470 cal BP, to a dense set of uppermost, ash layers dated to between 1460 and 3360 cal BP. This long and well-dated chronostratigraphic sequence enabled temporal trends in the abundant small mammal remains to be examined. 
The fossil assemblage consists of at least 31 taxa of mammals which change in proportions through time. Despite clear evidence that the Old Ancestors repeatedly carried vegetation into the cave to fuel cool fires (no visible vegetation grows in Cloggs Cave), we observed little to no evidence of cooking fires or calcined bone, suggesting that people had little involvement with the accumulation of the faunal remains. Small mammal bones were most likely deposited in the cave by large disc-faced owls, Tyto novaehollandae (Masked Owl) or Tyto tenebricosa (Sooty Owl). 
Despite being well dated and largely undisturbed, the Cloggs Cave assemblage does not appear to track known Late Quaternary environmental change. Instead, the complex geomorphology of the area fostered a vegetation mosaic that supported mammals with divergent habitat preferences. The faunal deposit suggests a local ancestral landscape characterised by a resilient mosaic of habitats that persisted over thousands of years, signalling that the Old Ancestors burned landscape fires to encourage and manage patches of different vegetation types and ages within and through periods of climate change.

text: Interpreting the mammal deposits of Cloggs Cave (SE Australia), GunaiKurnai Aboriginal Country, through community-led partnership research Palaeontological animal bone deposits are rarely investigated through research partnerships where the local First Nations communities have a defining hand in both the research questions asked and the research processes. Here we report research undertaken through such a partnership approach at the iconic archaeological site of Cloggs Cave (GunaiKurnai Country, East Gippsland), in the southern foothills of SE Australia's Great Dividing Range. 
A new excavation was combined with detailed chronometric dating, high-resolution 3D mapping and geomorphological studies. This allowed interpretation of a sequence of stratigraphic layers spanning from a lowermost excavated mixed layer dated to between 25,640 and 48,470 cal BP, to a dense set of uppermost, ash layers dated to between 1460 and 3360 cal BP. This long and well-dated chronostratigraphic sequence enabled temporal trends in the abundant small mammal remains to be examined. 
The fossil assemblage consists of at least 31 taxa of mammals which change in proportions through time. Despite clear evidence that the Old Ancestors repeatedly carried vegetation into the cave to fuel cool fires (no visible vegetation grows in Cloggs Cave), we observed little to no evidence of cooking fires or calcined bone, suggesting that people had little involvement with the accumulation of the faunal remains. Small mammal bones were most likely deposited in the cave by large disc-faced owls, Tyto novaehollandae (Masked Owl) or Tyto tenebricosa (Sooty Owl). 
Despite being well dated and largely undisturbed, the Cloggs Cave assemblage does not appear to track known Late Quaternary environmental change. Instead, the complex geomorphology of the area fostered a vegetation mosaic that supported mammals with divergent habitat preferences. The faunal deposit suggests a local ancestral landscape characterised by a resilient mosaic of habitats that persisted over thousands of years, signalling that the Old Ancestors burned landscape fires to encourage and manage patches of different vegetation types and ages within and through periods of climate change.

year: 2022-12

title: Variability of physical and biological parameters in Lake Taupo: Bio-fish survey 2004-5

authors: Hamilton, David P.

abstract: This project was initiated by the Lakes and Waterways Action Group (LWAG) in response to declining water quality of Lake Taupo (Gibbs, 2004). Information was sought on variability of physical and biological parameters across different parts of the lake particularly in relation to use of only one profiling site (Station A) or three profiling sites (Stations A, B, and C) used in previous studies (e.g. Gibbs, 2004). Furthermore, the Taupo District Council (TDC) has a concern that some taste and odour problems (e.g. geosmin) experienced in its water supply may be due to cyanobacteria that accumulate in the near-shore region where water supply intakes are located. The TDC also sought information about variability of phytoplankton biomass across Lake Taupo.

The objective of this study was to carry out a series of BIO-FISH transects of Lake Taupo, to observe the variability of temperature, chlorophyll a, dissolved oxygen and conductivity.

text: Variability of physical and biological parameters in Lake Taupo: Bio-fish survey 2004-5 This project was initiated by the Lakes and Waterways Action Group (LWAG) in response to declining water quality of Lake Taupo (Gibbs, 2004). Information was sought on variability of physical and biological parameters across different parts of the lake particularly in relation to use of only one profiling site (Station A) or three profiling sites (Stations A, B, and C) used in previous studies (e.g. Gibbs, 2004). Furthermore, the Taupo District Council (TDC) has a concern that some taste and odour problems (e.g. geosmin) experienced in its water supply may be due to cyanobacteria that accumulate in the near-shore region where water supply intakes are located. The TDC also sought information about variability of phytoplankton biomass across Lake Taupo.

The objective of this study was to carry out a series of BIO-FISH transects of Lake Taupo, to observe the variability of temperature, chlorophyll a, dissolved oxygen and conductivity.

year: 2005-12

title: Respecting and recognising Indigenous rights when challenged by commercial activities

authors: Toki, Valmaine

abstract: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was hailed as a triumph among Indigenous peoples, signalling a long-awaited recognition of their fundamental human rights. Despite this, many violations of these basic rights continue, particularly in relation to extractive industries and business activities. In response, a business reference guide seeks to inform industries of their responsibilities. This article examines the tenuous relationship between Indigenous rights, state responsibilities and business expectations.

text: Respecting and recognising Indigenous rights when challenged by commercial activities The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was hailed as a triumph among Indigenous peoples, signalling a long-awaited recognition of their fundamental human rights. Despite this, many violations of these basic rights continue, particularly in relation to extractive industries and business activities. In response, a business reference guide seeks to inform industries of their responsibilities. This article examines the tenuous relationship between Indigenous rights, state responsibilities and business expectations.

year: 2018