Feral goats are destroying thousands of years of ancient Aboriginal artwork on Hook Island. This dot of land is surrounded by the stunning Whitsundays in Queensland. Hook Island is around 30km from Airlie Beach. It’s home to some of the world’s oldest cave paintings created by the Ngaro people, more than 2,700 years ago. These spectacular cultural treasures can be found deep inside a limestone cave at Nara Inlet, only by foot through the Nara walking trail.
Ngaro elder Peter Pryor told the ABC that he was upset by the damage done by these feral goats on the artwork. Settlers released the goats into the Whitsundays in the 1800s as a potential food source for sailors shipwrecked in the islands. Unfortunately, these invasive goats are now scraping up against the cave walls, threatening damage to thousands of years-old paintings.
Historical Significance of Hook Island
Hook Island is and has been of great spiritual significance to the Ngaro people, who have lived in the area for an estimated 9,000 years. Access to the impressive ancient artwork within its caves represents a lifeline to their heritage, culture and identity.
Pryor elaborated on the significance of the artwork, stating, “Almost all the paintings that are on the wall are done with an ochre which was mixed with whale blood.” He further expressed relief that previous generations of elders were not able to witness the damage inflicted upon their cultural heritage. “I’m just glad that there aren’t elders still around to be able to see the damage that’s happened there,” he remarked.
Efforts to Protect Cultural Heritage
In response to the damage caused by feral goats, authorities have been actively trapping and shooting the animals since 2018. Their ultimate goal is to remove the invasive species completely from Hook Island. They know that it will take at least a decade if not longer to achieve this ambitious goal.
David Orgill, who has worked on many of these conservation efforts, pointed out that protective measures have been put in place around many Aboriginal art sites. “We’ve set up cameras around some of the Aboriginal art sites where we’ve had to build electric fences to keep the goats from rubbing against them,” he explained. He added that these measures have led to a noticeable decrease in damage: “We’ve definitely noticed less impact on the art.”
Ongoing Challenges and Future Plans
Conservationists are still putting up a fight as they attempt to save Hook Island’s cultural and natural heritage. The feral goats’ impact is not limited to the ancient artwork; they’re wreaking havoc on the island’s sensitive ecosystem.
As for what lies ahead, Pryor said he was optimistic that protection can continue for the debris artwork as well as for the island. “We’re just happy that something’s in place to help protect it and protect the whole island,” he stated.
Feral goat authorities have achieved removal of feral goats on numerous islands. Significant examples include South Percy Island and St Bees Island, both of which lie off the coast near Mackay. We find hope in these experiences, as they continue to restore and protect Hook Island’s precious cultural gems for generations to come.
