Mystery of ‘fairy circles’ in Australian deserts may be SOLVED as ancient knowledge ‘ends long-standing science debate’

A LONG-standing scientific debate over the cause of bizarre “fairy circles” may have been solved by ancient knowledge. The mysterious patches of bare earth can be found across deserts in Australia. SWNSFairy circles are patches of bare earth found in desert grass. Stock picture[/caption] So-called fairy circles are distinct patches of clear soil found in desert grass. A worldwide discussion was sparked back in the 1970s when they were first recorded by scientists in Southern Africa‘s Namib desert. Scientists from around the globe agreed in 2016 that the polka dot spots in the Australian landscape were caused by spinifex plants competing for water and nutrients. But Indigenous Australians have insisted the patches pop up as a result of spinifex termites burrowing beneath the ground. Scientists have now admitted in a study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution that researchers “barely considered the existing knowledge” of these people when concluding previously. Dr Fiona Walsh, one of the scientists who took part in the study, told the West Australian: “Aboriginal people told us that these regular circular patterns of bare pavements are occupied by spinifex termites. “We saw similarities between the patterns in Aboriginal art and aerial views of the pavements and found paintings that have deep and complex stories about the activities of termites and termite ancestors.” Fairy circles were used by Indigenous People in the past as a way to find food sources. Martu elder Gladys Bidu said: “I learnt this from my old people and have seen it myself many times. “We gathered and ate the Warturnuma [flying termites] that flew from linyji.” She said her ancestors also used the rock hard circles to break open and crush seeds for use in food. Researches surveyed areas in Australia’s Pilbara region as well as patches in Newhaven. Dr Walsh added: “[This] provided alternative scientific evidence to the dominant international theory explaining the fairy circle phenomenon in Australia. “The water-holding characteristics of termite pavements were unknown to desert scientists until we recognised clues in the stories of our Aboriginal colleagues and Aboriginal art. “Aboriginal people refined their encyclopedia and authoritative knowledge when living continuously on this continent for at least 65,000 years and their knowledge is critical to improving ecosystem management and in understanding and caring for Australia’s desert.”