Australian Homes Are Becoming Unexpected Wildlife Habitats

Australian houses are serving as makeshift habitat for far more wildlife than many residents may realize. A study published in People and Nature analyzed reports collected by Wildlife Victoria and identified 36 native species using buildings to nest, forage or sleep. The reports, which covered roughly 2,400 native animals found in, on or beneath buildings over the past decade, included bare-nosed wombats sheltering under houses, possums in attics, microbats sleeping in curtains and Pacific black ducks nesting on balconies. Building cavities were the most common location in the study, accounting for 40% of the species examined. Another 19% used structures such as garages and sheds, while 16% occupied external areas including eaves, balconies and rooftops. Animals were also found in interior rooms, spaces beneath houses and utility equipment such as heaters and air conditioners. According to the researchers, these features can resemble natural environments. Roof and wall cavities may function like tree hollows, spaces beneath buildings can provide shelter similar to burrows, and balconies can offer elevated ledges. Heating and cooling equipment may create suitable small-scale climates for some reptiles. The findings come as Australia plans to construct 1.2 million homes over five years. The researchers argue that decisions about roof cavities, concrete coverage and other building features could influence whether new neighborhoods preserve habitat or eliminate it. Natural tree hollows are particularly difficult to replace: more than 300 Australian native species depend on them, while large hollow-bearing trees in urban areas are declining. Artificial alternatives such as nest boxes, carved hollows and bee hotels are already being developed, but wildlife shelter inside buildings can disappear suddenly during renovations or repairs. The researchers do not oppose excluding animals when they create genuine health, safety or welfare risks. They say, however, that exclusion should be handled by an expert wildlife caregiver and paired with safe alternatives where possible. Some overseas projects have incorporated swift bricks, bat boxes and hedgehog nest boxes into buildings. Australia has no comparable national policy, although grassroots initiatives are funding nest boxes alongside construction projects. The study also warns that poorly chosen measures—including netting, bird spikes and reflective glass—can injure or kill wildlife, underscoring the need for designs based on ecological research.