Backyard Conservation
     Conservation begins at home.  The planting of native trees and shrubs and the inclusion of a small pond can greatly increase the amounts of native wildlife in your garden.  If you keep a cat, it is best kept indoors or  in a purpose built cat enclosure.  Cats and native animals do not mix. 
     Rocky areas provide great habitats for small lizards and frogs.  The drawback is these animals also encourage snakes.  Snakes may not be our cup of tea, but they play a very important role in our environment and keep mice and rat numbers down.
     Bird baths and feeders also encourage birds and animals to your gardens.  Although feeders do encourage wildlife, the main objective is to use it as a supplement and not as their only source of food.  You may notice that they will come at the same time each day.
     Lights on at night encourage moths and these in turn attract small bats, frogs and nocturnal birds.   
     Nesting boxes are also great for wildlife.  It takes a tree over 100 yrs to form a hollow suitable for a possum, yet we can build one in 30 minutes.  The box can be designed to target specific animals such as bats or birds.  There are some species who don't care who they were designed for, they will use them anyway.    

© Fauna Australia Wildlife Retreat 2009