Wildcare helpline - Helping wildlife

Helping wildlife in your neighbourhood

You can help native wildlife in a number of ways, without too much effort:

Feeding wildlife

Don't feed birds or other wildlife as this can:

• cause aggression
• attract predators
• unnaturally increase population numbers
• increase the risk of disease.

Instead, put a bird bath in your garden and regularly top up with fresh, clean water. This is especially important in hot weather.

Local plants

Plant local native plants in your yard and verge. This will:

• provide native fauna with natural food and shelter
• plus they are also water-friendly.

 The Wildflower Society of WA and Friends of Kings Park have lists of suitable plants, and information on how to get and grow them.

Nest boxes

Nest boxes are a great alternative to compensate for the loss of natural nest sites in the wild by providing suitable nest sites for birds, bats and even possums.

A well-positioned possum box will also encourage possums to nest somewhere other than your roof.

There are lots of plans for different types, depending on what you want to provide for.

Nest Boxes for Wildlife1.4 MB

Pesticides

Avoid using pesticides in the garden.

• Encourage natural predators to take care of bugs—try building an 'insect hotel' to provide a home for pollinators and natural pest controllers.
• If you have a mice or rat problem, there are methods to try first before resorting to poison.
  • Rats and mice look for food, shelter and breeding sites. By tidying up and removing the things they need, like long grass, untidy sheds and accessible pet food, they'll move on to where they are available. The Society for the Preservation of Raptors (Inc.) has a great factsheet on eliminating rats and mice .

Pets

• De-sex pets to prevent unwanted litters.
• Under the Cat Act 2011, all cats in Western Australia must be de-sexed.
  Many councils offer discounted de-sexing (often with micro-chipping), which also makes your cat/dog licence cheaper.
• Never dump unwanted animals. 
• Cats
  • Keep cats indoors or build them a secure run for exercising.
  • If they do spend time outside, make sure they wear at least one bell (two is better!) as a warning to wildlife.
  • Always make sure your cat is inside after dark.
• Dogs
  Control your dogs' behaviour, and:
  • always keep them on a lead during walks 
  • always walk in areas designated for dog walking.
  • be extra vigilant during bird breeding season (spring / summer) as dogs can sniff out nests and scare off the adult birds who may abandon the eggs or young.

Driving

• Be aware of wildlife when driving.
• Look out for road signs and slow down, particularly during breeding seasons.

Litter

Dispose of litter responsibly.

• Large numbers of wildlife, on land and in the sea, are harmed by:
  • discarded drinks cans
  • glass
  • plastic bags
  • elastic bands
  • fishing tackle (including hooks and line)
  • cigarette butts
  • balloons
  • ...the list is endless.

Volunteer!

Either for your local wildlife rehabilitation centre, the WILDCARE helpline or other local environmental group.