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It may be a little more
obvious, but still appreciated!
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The following are some of the objections
raised by well-meaning people that we have met during the presentation of
our seminars. For the sake of our wildlife it is vital that we encourage
criticism and objections so as to allow understanding
where there was once uncertainty. In most cases objections raised are not
presented as reasons for not wanting to take action to help our wonderful
creatures, but as uncertain fears that by trying to help we might be doing
them more damage.
Myth:
Wildlife boxes encourage feral animals to breed.
Fact:
Feral animals that use wildlife boxes are no more or no less a problem in
wildlife boxes than they are in natural hollows. Common Mynas for example
will nest in any available cavity and are therefore much easier to control
in wildlife boxes because they are more easily monitored and accessed.
Myth:
Nest boxes can encourage animals to breed and increase in numbers at an
unnatural rate.
Fact:
The destruction of old-growth timber has been so rampant and
complete that if we filled Australia with nesting hollows it would take
years to replenish the losses that we have caused. That would never happen
simply because food sources which have also been destroyed would be
inadequate to sustain even close-to-natural populations!
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An appreciative resident
of an artificial hollow.
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Myth:
Natural hollows are better suited to form nesting boxes.
Fact:
(1) There are simply not enough natural hollows available.
(2) If a hollow exists there is almost certainly a creature already
in residence!
(3) Boxes made from natural hollow timbers are usually very heavy
and difficult to position at heights.
(4) We have learnt from experience that there are some greedy and
unscrupulous people out there who will not stop at using natural hollows
as a means for financial gain. We believe that such behaviour simply
encourages environmental vandalism!
(5) The presence and use of artificial hollows helps educate people
into understanding the need to preserve and protect old-growth trees with
their natural hollows.
Myth:
Wildlife boxes damage trees.
Fact:
Correctly installed boxes will not damage trees.
Metal fastenings inserted into the tree will not only cause damage but, as
reported by the D.N.R. will rapidly corrode and cause loss of both the box
as well as its precious contents.
We use the Habisure™ system. Contact us for an information sheet.
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Now you see it now you
don't!
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Myth:
Why do we believe that parrots are threatened when they appear to be so
abundant?
Fact:
There are a number of issues to be addressed here.
The first is that we usually don't differentiate between species of parrot
and we can have localised concentrations of one species - usually Rainbow
Lorikeets. This does not mean however that all parrot species are thriving
and it may also indicate that Rainbow Lorikeet populations are be becoming grossly
imbalanced.
The second is that most parrot species are extraordinarily long-lived.
Ages vary between species but range from 15-25 years for Lorikeets to 80
years or longer for Cockatoos. As casual observers we can see sustained
populations which are in fact aged-biased and Ornithologists report
concerns regarding an unsustainable young-count in many flocks. What may
appear to be abundance now may very well be deficiency within a few short
years!
The third is that species-displacement appears to be occurring. Those
species which are more human-environment tolerant are tending to dominate
and the more vulnerable species such as the beautiful Scaly-breasted
Lorikeet are diminishing.
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Scaly-breasted Lorikeet
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Myth:
Wildlife boxes attract wildlife.
Fact:
It is not homes that attract animals into a
given area but sources of their foods. Planting of correct food
plants is essential if you wish to attract and maintain native fauna
populations. Nesting boxes will sustain populations only if
sufficient food is present.
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How
snug can snug be? |
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Myth:
Wildlife boxes can be monitored on a casual basis.
Fact:
Once a nest box installation is decided upon, especially in a public
place, a maintenance and monitoring program should be implemented. Box
usage should be regularly logged, an annual inspection of contents and
internal condition made, and mounting wires checked for both integrity and
correct tightness. With faster growing trees it is very important that
wire tension does not cause bark and cambium layer penetration. If feral
animals are present they must be removed, box lids and hinges must be
maintained and damage from vandals, although rare, must be repaired. As a
matter of interest - and an argument for the scarcity of housing - it has
been observed that different species may share the nesting box at
different times of the year. This has happen with Rainbow Lorikeets, Pale
Headed Rosellas, and Sugar Gliders.
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This
hollow home was shared between Sugar Gliders, Rainbow Lorikeets, and
Rosellas! |
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