Gija plants and animals : Aboriginal flora and fauna knowledge from the East Kimberley, north Australia / Shirley Purdie.

Includes bibliography: page 230 and indexes.

Acknowledgements -- Abstract -- Background -- Gija language -- Gija country -- Gija climate and seasons -- Gija plant life-forms and plant parts -- Gija implements and tools --Gija field work and biocultural knowledge recording -- Gija plant and animal dreamtime stories -- Gija plant names and uses -- Gija animal names and uses -- Categorisation of Gija plant and animal use -- References -- Index of plant and animal common names -- Index of Gija plant and animal names -- Gija language sounds and how to make them quick guide.

The results of a study of Gija plant and animal knowledge conducted by biocultural knowledge custodians with a linguist and biologist are present. Gija names and uses of plants and animals, scientific names and common English names for 215 plants and 247 animals are included. Introductory chapters outline Gija knowledge of seasons, nomenclature for implements, weapons and tools, plant life-forms, and habitats and provide insights into Gija observations of country changes and concerns about country. Gija biological knowledge is categorised and discussed in later chapters. Indices of animal and plant common names and Gija plant and animal names are provided.