A large expanse of land in the Simpson Desert has been renamed Pilungah by its Traditional Owners, the Wangkamadla people, in collaboration with Bush Heritage Australia.

The groups reinstated the original place name for the area formerly known as Cravens Peak Reserve, which contains dunes, water holes and one of the most diverse reptile populations on Earth.

The word Pilungah comes from the name of a culturally significant spring on the land. The groups behind the decision say formally recognising Indigenous place names and language is an important way of acknowledging and preserving culture, knowledge and connection to country.

"Pilungah has been known by that name long before anyone else came onto our country and it's important that it is recognised as such," Wangkamadla woman and Bush Heritage board member Avelina Tarrago told ABC News.

"Using the traditional names of places means that even if language fades away, the name will always be there, and our connection to country acknowledged."

Story via ABC News.

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