Research based on Wildlife Victoria data has documented about 2,400 reports of native animals in, on or under buildings over the past decade, revealing that structures have become de facto habitat for wildlife as natural environments vanish from urban landscapes.
A study analyzing these reports identified 36 native species occupying various parts of dwellings, from microbats sleeping in curtains to Pacific black ducks nesting on balconies. Building cavities proved most popular, with 40 percent of studied species living between walls, while 19 percent occupied garages and similar structures, 16 percent inhabited external surfaces such as eaves and balconies, and smaller percentages were found in interior rooms, spaces under houses, and utility services.
Researchers noted that building features often replicate natural habitats—roof cavities resemble tree hollows that more than 300 Australian native species depend on, while spaces under houses mimic sheltered ground or burrows. However, they warned that relying on buildings for shelter is precarious, as renovations or repairs can eliminate habitat overnight.
As Australia aims to build 1.2 million homes over the next five years, the researchers urged planners to incorporate wildlife-friendly design elements. They cited examples from Scotland and Germany where regulations or voluntary programs include nest boxes for swifts, bats and hedgehogs in new buildings. Several Australian grassroots initiatives have emerged, such as programs requiring one nest box per building constructed.
The researchers cautioned that wildlife-friendly design must be based on robust ecological research, as poorly designed features such as bird spikes and hostile architecture can wound or kill animals. They noted that as urban areas become increasingly important to conservation, Australia needs both housing development and protection for vulnerable species that may have nowhere else to go.
