Hunters and Trackers of the Australian Desert

by Pat Lowe

The peoples of the deserts in the centre of Australia adapted to one of the most marginal environments on earth, with no technology to assist them other than what they could make with their own hands. The book describes the hunting lifestyle of desert people both before European contact and today. It discusses the art of tracking in some detail, and shows it is part of a body of knowledge, which includes an intimate understanding of animal behaviour, an excellent memory and a faultless sense of direction.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Pat Lowe grew up in the UK, dreaming of sunshine and vast spaces. She spent three years studying and teaching in East Africa, then moved to Western Australia. She was soon taking an interest in the local bush and its inhabitants.

After studying psychology, Pat worked in Perth prisons for several years. She applied for a transfer to Broome in the Kimberley, where she met Walmajarri artist, Jimmy Pike. Later, Pat joined Pike at his camp in the Great Sandy Desert and started writing books with him about desert life. She has published twelve titles, fiction and nonfiction, and contributed to a number of collections.