Your house may be a haven for wildlife. It’s time we design homes with nature in mind
A new study reveals thousands of native animals are taking up residence in Australian homes.
More than 2,400 native animals have been spotted living in buildings across Australia over the past ten years, according to Wildlife Victoria. These creatures range from microbats sleeping in curtains to pacific black ducks nesting on balconies. Researchers analyzed these reports to determine which species utilize our homes, where within them they reside, and the purpose they serve.
Building cavities, shelters, external surfaces, interior rooms, spaces under houses, and utility services all provide homes for wildlife. These structures often function similarly to natural habitats, such as tree hollows or cliff edges. However, buildings also present challenges as habitat, as renovations or repairs can destroy these temporary shelters.
Designing homes with wildlife in mind is crucial, particularly as Australia aims to build 1.2 million new homes in the next five years. Incorporating habitat features into house designs can help protect vulnerable species while also improving energy efficiency.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
