Kuti and the Wildfowl Breeding Grounds

Words Don Rowlands OAM, Illustrations Nick Sidle

Illustration

Kuti is the name for the Ancestral Swan of the Swan myth and her story tells how these swamps were created.

My People the Wangkangurru-Yarluyandi still use this name to refer to a large stretch of land, an extensive range on the channels of the lower ‘Georgina River’, defined as Eyre Creek, and much of the Goyder Lagoon. This area is subject to periodic flooding and is a major waterfowl breeding ground. According to the myth, Kuti the Ancestral Swan created the cane-grass and lignum swamps so that she could lay her eggs, which hatched into all manner of waterbirds, from swans and pelicans to the smallest of the little stilts that run along the water’s edge. Apart from cane-grass and lignum, there does not appear to be any other type of plant that is characteristic of this waterfowl breeding area. The folklore also tells of a very dangerous snake, one that the people had to be exceptionally aware of and treat with the greatest caution.

Illustration

A famous snake expert, Ram Chandra, reported an observation from these wetlands. Ram was a showman, but he was also a very serious contributor to the world of herpetology. He was responsible for differentiating the Taipan as a separate species to the Brown Snakes. He helped develop the technique for milking snakes of venom in order to make antivenom to treat victims of snakebite. From this, he facilitated the development of the first antivenom for the Taipan, an antivenom which was later used to save his own life. His work was recognised and honoured for its contribution to saving lives across Australia and in other countries.

Ram identified the Taipan as a separate species following up on reports from Queensland about a big brown snake that carried itself differently and was far more aggressive. This included identifying specimens from the wetlands of the Kuti story. He described the Taipan as the most dangerous snake in the world. Old stories give wisdom to those who follow.

Don Rowlands OAM

Illustration – Taipan, Oxyuranus scutellatus

Don Rowlands OAM, Ranger in Charge Munga-Thirri National Park, Queensland, Australia, and Wangkangurru Elder

Stories on Cùra Earth by Don Rowlands

Kuti and the Wildfowl Breeding Grounds

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