Monitoring Country
Gnamma
Gnammas are rock holes on granite outcrops that catch water when it rains.. Some gnammas are very deep (pit gnamma) and can hold water even during hot and dry conditions. Other gnammas are too shallow (pan gnamma) to hold water all year round.
They are a fresh water source for humans, birds, reptiles, frogs and mammals. They also provide habitat for aquatic plants and invertebrates.
| Aboriginal Name | Language Group |
|---|---|
| Ngamar | Noongar boodja |
| Ngamma | Noongar boodja |
Some gnammas are too shallow (pan gnamma) to hold water all year round. Others are very deep (pit gnamma) and can hold water even during hot and dry conditions.
Pan and Pit Gnammas. Credit: Mark Cowan
Threats
Some of the key threats to the gnammas include:
Pollution from feral animal scat or urination, like goats
Loss of water from feral animals drinking, especially camels
You can monitor gnammas to:
Check on water quality
Find out what species are in or using gnammas
Check how well management of Country, gnammas and the animals/plants using gnammas is working
By using one or more the following methods, you can better understand gnammas on your Country. If you monitor the same place at the same time every year, you can see if there are changes to gnammas on Country.
Any time you do work that might disturb or interfere with native animals and vegetation, particularly threatened species, you need to check with the state authorities to see if you need any approvals, such as scientific licences or animal ethics committee permits.
If you are interested in a simple and quick way to find out what animals might be using the gnamma, you can just collect eDNA water samples.
Animal biodiversity - what animals might be using gnammas like birds, reptiles and mammals that drink from them, and frogs and invertebrates that live in them
Species richness – how many species of plants and animals are detected using gnammas
Avoid disturbing or touching the water until you have finished the eDNA sampling.
- file_save Plan Samples
- file_save Water
Freshwater places like gnammas (water holes), soaks and creeks are often important cultural sites, are important water sources for humans, plants and animals, and provide habitat for aquatic plants and animals. Depending on what you want to know, you can monitor freshwater places to check on water quality, what plants …
Primary sources
This landing page was developing using the following sources:
Western Australian Museum (2025). Gnamma Holes.
Bayly, I. (2002). The life of temporary waters in Australian gnammas (rock-holes). SIL Proceedings 1922-2010 28(1): 41-48.
Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (2009). Prioritising rock-holes of Aboriginal and ecological significance in the Gawler Rangers. Government of South Australia