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Wildlife Moves In: Possums, Bats Invade Australian Homes
6 Sep
Summary
- Possums, microbats, and wombats are most common urban wildlife invaders.
- Animals seek buildings due to habitat loss from disappearing natural homes.
- Designing buildings for wildlife can improve mental wellbeing and city resilience.
A decade of wildlife rescue data reveals that native animals, particularly possums, microbats, and bare-nosed wombats, are commonly seeking refuge within human buildings. These creatures are utilizing various parts of homes, from roofs and walls to less conventional spaces like letterboxes and air conditioning units, as substitute habitats. This phenomenon is largely attributed to the ongoing disappearance of their natural environments and hollows.
Experts suggest that integrating wildlife-friendly design into new constructions, such as specific nesting bricks or habitat features, can foster peaceful coexistence. Such integration is seen as crucial for addressing the current biodiversity and housing crises. Designing for nature can yield significant benefits, improving mental wellbeing and fostering more resilient urban ecosystems.
While some instances involve animals like sugar gliders found in kitchens or echidnas in pantries, such occurrences are becoming more frequent. Microbats, for example, are often found roosting in roofs and are considered beneficial for bug control. In New South Wales, even koalas have been found seeking shelter during extreme weather.
The study emphasizes that with increasing urbanization, there are opportunities to design buildings that accommodate wildlife, rather than exclusively excluding it. This approach can enhance human connection with nature and contribute to healthier city environments, with experts advocating for ecologists to be part of the design process.
