Your house may be a haven for wildlife. It's time we design homes with nature in mind

Over the past decade, wildlife in Victoria has been seen taking up residence in about 2,400 buildings, according to data from Wildlife Victoria. The new study examined these reports to determine which species were inhabiting buildings, where they were residing, and what activities they were engaged in. The research identified 36 native species that utilize various parts of buildings for nesting, foraging, or sleeping, including microbats, Pacific black ducks, and other creatures.

Building cavities are the preferred habitat, housing 40% of the studied species, while shelters and structures comprise 19%, external surfaces account for 16%, interior rooms house 10%, under-house spaces house 9%, and utility services such as heaters and air conditioners house 6% of the animals. These building features often mimic natural habitats, with roof and wall cavities resembling tree hollows and balconies functioning as elevated ledges, similar to cliff edges.

As building numbers increase, they become crucial for conservation, particularly as natural habitats in urban areas diminish. While buildings can provide temporary shelter, they are not a permanent solution as renovations or repairs can quickly remove the habitat. Removing wildlife without considering safe alternatives can worsen Australia's extinction crisis.

Adapting buildings for wildlife could be a solution. Building regulations in Australia require new homes to incorporate habitat features like swift bricks in external walls. Similar initiatives, such as the wildhouses project, involve builders funding nest boxes for each building constructed. Urban designers and planners are also considering biodiversity-sensitive urban design, which aims to construct urban environments that minimize threats to wildlife while meeting their needs.

However, caution must be exercised to avoid "hostile architecture" that can harm or kill wildlife. Cities should strive to create urban areas that complement nature rather than replacing it. With Australia facing a housing crisis, it is essential to consider the needs of vulnerable animals in the planning process to address the extinction crisis effectively.