Backyard habitat

Hollows and nest boxes

A diversity of possums and gliders live in Ku-ring-gai, from the large Common Brush-tailed Possum and Common Ringtail Possum, to the tiny Feathertail Glider. They are nocturnal marsupials dependent on tree hollows or dreys to retreat to during the day. Removal of hollow-bearing trees remains a key threat to many of these animals.

Support native wildlife in your area:

• Retain mature trees wherever possible. It takes hundreds of years to form a natural hollow.
• Create artificial Ringtail possum dreys using hanging baskets.
• Build your own wildlife nest box.

Birdscaping gardens:

Many people enjoy feeding birds in their garden or on their balcony, but this can create unseen problems such as malnutrition, disease, and imbalanced populations of some species.

• Why not ‘birdscape’ your garden using netting with a mesh size of less than 5mm.
• The base of the net should be secured to the trunk of the tree or the ground.
• White netting is recommended.
• Remove nets promptly after fruiting to prevent damage to new growth.

For more information visit WIRES.

Responsible pet ownership

Pets play an important part of our lives, but a recent study has found roaming pet cats kill 390 million animals per year in Australia. Tips for responsible pet ownership:

• Keep cats indoors and/or create a cat-proof outdoor enclosure.
• Provide a refuge area in your garden for birds and reptiles out of reach of cats and dogs.
• Bird baths should be beyond the reach of pets – hanging from a tree is ideal.
• Plant a diversity of native trees, flowering shrubs and grasses to provide a variety of food resources.
• Select plants for the birds in your area using the BirdLife Birdata directory.
• Bird baths should be elevated to enable escape and must be cleaned regularly.
• Please visit Birds in Backyards for further information on backyard bird habitat.

Backyard ponds

These provide great habitat for a variety of reptiles, insects, frogs, birds and mammal species.

Fauna friendly ponds require:

• An exit point both for frogs and terrestrial fauna to escape.
• A variety of habitat such as vegetation (reeds, ferns, climbers) and rocks.
• A shallow area of water for a gradual change in water depth.
• Refer to our Pool 2 Pond program for further information about converting unused swimming pools to wildlife ponds.

In your garden

Bandicoots

Ku-ring-gai is home to two species of bandicoots, the threatened Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) and the more common Long-nosed Bandicoot (Perameles nasuta). Bandicoots play an important ecological role, turning over the soil and contributing to nutrient cycling.

Support bandicoots in your garden:

• Designate an area of your garden that’s bandicoot friendly, by planting shrubs and grasses.
• Keep pets indoors, especially at night.
• Avoid pesticides.

If you need to keep bandicoots out of your garden:

• Build a bandicoot fence with galvanised wire/ mesh that has gaps no larger than 20mm.
• Bury the mesh into the ground to 150mm.
• The height of the fence needs only be 500mm above ground.

Wildlife friendly fruit or vegetable garden netting:

• Birds, possums, bats or reptiles can easily become entangled in large mesh or poorly designed netting.

Brushtail Possums

They make their homes in tree hollows in forests and woodlands all along the East Coast of Australia. They are the most commonly seen marsupial in urban areas, and possibly the most resourceful! Where there’s a lack of old, hollow-baring trees the Brushtail Possum will happily nest in any sheltered dry cavity – including your roof. Local Pest Control companies will also humanely remove possums and cover entry points to make sure they don’t return. Consider helping provide habitat for our possums by installing a Nest Box.

All native wildlife is protected under federal legislation, please do not be tempted to poison a possum, or remove one yourself without a license from NPWS.

Injured wildlife

If you come across any injured native animals, contact WIRES as soon as possible by calling 1300 094 737.

Dangerous species

Snakes and spiders

To avoid contact, shake out washing from the line, check shoes before putting them on, wear protective clothing in the garden and be aware when walking in bushland.

If you suspect a snake bite, treat it as a medical emergency. For advice regarding snake or spider bites contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26.

What to do if you find a snake

• Don't approach a snake as they can all bite.
• Stay calm and back away. Don't make any sudden movements.
• Keep an eye on the snake.
• Keep children and pets away.
• Call a professional snake catcher.

The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage has a list of licensed reptile handlers and wildlife organisations it recommends for snake removal.

How to deter snakes from your garden 

Make your garden less attractive to snakes:

• Keep shrubs trimmed, lawns mowed and the garden generally tidy.
• Remove piles of rubble, wood, roof sheeting or leaf clippings where snakes can shelter.
• If snakes are residing under your home, consider blocking their access after being removed.

Ticks

Ticks are bloodsucking, external parasites that are often encountered by people. Ticks belong to the order Acarina, which also contains mites. The Australian tick fauna consists of approximately 75 species that can be divided into two families - soft ticks (Family Argasidae) and hard ticks (Family Ixodidae). Ticks can cause mild to life threatening reactions.

Rodent control