The devil is in the detail – the ecology of ngiyari (thorny devils, Moloch horridus) at Uluru

This project, situated on Anangu country, within the jointly-managed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (UKTNP), focuses on the autoecology and thermal ecology of thorny devils, (Moloch horridus) or ngiyari in Pitjantjatjara. Together with Nyangatjatjara college (an independent Aboriginal school) and UKJNP, we have co-developed a project that enables and responds to input from diverse members of the community with local co-benefits a central priority. Using the research as catalyst, we aim to form tangible links for students of the college between scientific methods, local experience and knowledge, and the conservation and management interests of the UKTNP. The research will provide information about when and why ngiyari are active on roads and insights into how native fauna respond to extreme environmental conditions to support future management of biodiversity.