Many people ask search & discover how to encourage native animals to their gardens.
The best way to do this is to plant native trees, shrubs and grasses that native birds, insects and mammals find attractive. Your local council or bush regenerator group should be able to advise you when choosing plants suitable for your area.
Some birds are nectar-eaters, for example, lorikeets and honeyeaters, so plants such as bottlebrush, banksias and grevilleas are a good choice. These also attract nectar-eating butterflies and possums.
Other birds, such as finches, rosellas and parrots, are mainly seed-eaters, so seed and fruit-producing plants like grasses, wattles, casuarinas and eucalypts are favoured. Some of these are popular food plants for caterpillars so will also attract moths and butterflies. Flying foxes and possums will also like fruit-bearing plants.
Attracting insects to the garden will also encourage insect-eating birds, such as pardalotes. Most flowering plants will attract insects – eucalypts are a good choice, as are Kunzea and myrtles.
Many birds and mammals also need nesting areas such as tree hollows. If you don't have large trees in your garden with natural hollows, you could provide nestboxes. Owls, parrots, microbats and possums are some species which will make use of nestboxes.
Small birds, like wrens, need protection from larger birds and cats. Planting dense, spiky shrubs, such as Hakea and banksias, will give these birds the shelter they need to escape from predators.
A well-planned native garden will provide a habitat and a refuge for many species of native animal, but remember that cats should be kept indoors, especially at night.
Flora for Fauna
This site lets you plan a garden appropriate for your area and choose plants to attract specific types of native animal.
Nestboxes for Natives, Birds Australia
The importance of nestboxes and plans for a rosella nestbox with an anti-myna baffle. Dimensions for nestboxes for other species of bird and mammal are also given.
Backyard Buddies, New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service
Tips on encouraging wildlife to your backyard.
September 2003
An Australian Museum Website
Copyright © Australian Museum 2003
