Make a small change that makes a big change

Here are some ideas to get started:

 

Plant native flora.

Native flora provides the best food and habitat for native bird and animal species.

  • Plants that are indigenous to the local area have a better chance of growing well.

  • Create multiple vegetation layers for greater diversity. You could include ground covers, grasses, shrubs and trees. Dense shrubs make great bird habitat.

  • Pay attention to whether your chosen plants produce pollen, nectar or seeds, and what time of year they bloom. Plan your garden well and you can have flowers all year round.

  • Attract butterflies with local grasses, sedges and plants with small pollinating flowers.

 

Provide water.

In hot weather, something as simple as access to clean water can save lives.

  • Provide a clean and reliable water source such as a pond or bird bath.

  • Ensure animals of all sizes have access to the water. Smaller species may need a ramp in the form of a stick or log in order to avoid drowning.

  • Change the water every few days to avoid buildup of things like algae, dirt and bacteria that may be deposited by visiting wildlife.

Provide shelter.

Removal of habitat poses a huge risk to native species. Let’s make space for them at home.

  • Fallen logs, branches and tree stumps provide refuge for birds and reptiles. Organic mulch and leaf litter house microorganisms and are great for earthworms, insects and small lizards.

  • Do you have a tree with a large hollow? Don’t cut it down! It takes at least 100 years for a tree to develop a hollow that is suitable for use by birds and mammals.

  • Consider installing a nest box. Make sure it is secure and out of reach of cats and dogs.

  • Flat rocks placed in sunny areas can be used by reptiles and butterflies, who like to bask.

 

Don’t feed wildlife.

This one may come as a surprise, but there are many reasons why it’s not a good idea.

  • Inappropriate food can cause sickness and sometimes death in wild animals. They may not be able to digest what they are given, or they may choke or become ill.

  • Animals can become used to humans and causes them become aggressive or a nuisance, or exposing themselves to unsafe situations.

  • Animals who grow reliant on humans can lose the ability to hunt and forage for their own food.

 

And one of the most important ones …

Be a responsible pet owner.

Dogs and cats make great companion animals. They are also predators. Through their natural behaviour and their potential to spread disease, domestic pets can have a significant detrimental impact on local wildlife.

Cats

  • These excellent hunters are one of the biggest threats to Australian wildlife. Even unsuccessful hunters can disrupt and cause stress to local fauna with their scent and activity. Cats can also transmit toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, to which marsupials are especially susceptible.

  • Keep your cat indoors, or build a cat enclosure. This allows cats to spend time outside without posing a risk to local wildlife. Keep your cat safe by knowing where it is at all times, while also protecting our local wildlife.

Dogs

  • Keep your dog on a leash except in designated off-leash areas such as dog parks.

  • Pick up after your dog. Dog faeces left in parks and trails can transmit parasites such as tapeworm.

  • Try to keep your dog away from wildlife habitats by housing them inside during the day, or in a fenced-off part of your garden. A roaming dog is just as dangerous to local wildlife as a roaming cat.

If you see a stray or feral cat or dog, make sure to take it to your local vet or shelter.

Rabbits

Why do rabbits have such a bad rap in Australia?

Since being introduced in 1859, the rabbit has become one of the most prolific pest species in the country. Their feeding habits contribute hugely to soil erosion and degradation of land quality, making them a threat to both agriculture and to our native ecosystems. Their extensive breeding habits also make them formidable competitors to native marsupials, who already face limited options for food and habitat.

  • Remember to get your rabbit desexed.

  • If you adopt a rabbit and are no longer able to care for them, do NOT release them into the wild. Find a new home or surrender the rabbit to your local RSPCA. Make sure to check your state’s laws, as some states have rabbit-specific legislation. For example, in Queensland it is illegal to keep a rabbit as a pet.

  • Vaccinate your rabbit and check them for fleas and ticks. rabbits, just like cats and dogs, can spread disease through parasites and bacteria.