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Throughout Australia there is a vast array of
birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that nest, roost, or shelter in
tree hollows. As these hollows become scarce due to urban development,
public safety in parks and gardens or rural land clearing, our hollow
dependent fauna become displaced and will often disappear from areas
altogether.
Many of our birds live for an extraordinary length of time, up to 100
years in the case of the larger cockatoos, so by the time we notice the diminution
of their populations it is often too late.
Research shows that possums moved from their home range are often killed
by other
possums protecting their territory. Dying in these instances can be
prolonged and slow due to infections or blindness caused by injury or by
starvation due to food source denial.
Because we cannot put back the old habitat trees and do not suggest that
public safety should be of secondary concern we can still make a very
significant contribution to the welfare of our hollow-dependent fauna.
This contribution is by way of man made nesting boxes.
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We have found that
many of our creatures will readily accept man-made boxes and will
rapidly adapt to their presence. |
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Hollow Log Homes are no ordinary wildlife boxes. Through extensive
research and much trial and error we have developed styles of boxes that
are readily accepted by birds, possums, gliders, bats, and reptiles.
Through the use of both natural timber and exterior grade plywood our
boxes are easy to install whilst fulfilling criteria such as comfort,
insulation, protection of access, and safety. We endeavour to make our
boxes as natural as possible to blend into the surrounding environment.
Monitoring boxes is crucial to their success. Both basic research on usage
as well as ensuring
against usage by feral animals such as Starlings need regular monitoring. Monitoring is a
simple process which requires only a little time, a pair of binoculars,
and a monitoring sheet which we have included on the next page. This sheet
can be printed direct from the site by placing your mouse curser over the
form, right click, then select "Print".
Our wildlife boxes are made using waste products from timber production,
Eco Ply, and recycled materials.
Hollow Log Homes use the Habisure™ system to install nest
boxes onto trees. This system allows for at least one-metre growth in
diameter of the tree before adjustment is needed. This system is
non-invasive and provides security of the box in the tree.
These Glossy Black Cockatoos were noticed
visiting a State Forest. We installed the nest box to the left in the hope of
increasing the availability of breeding sites. This home is currently being
monitored.
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Without nest boxes or hollows many species will not breed. The trend
towards planting of native trees is excellent with many private and public
gardens being planted with natives suitable for their particular areas.
While the
trend towards native gardens can ensure adequate food supplies it does not
provide shelter for hollow dependent species.
The Greater Glider is unable to adapt and is totally
dependent upon the availability of hollow nesting sites.
Artificial nesting boxes are one way to reverse the cycle of destruction
before it's too late. They have been proved to work world wide for animals
which require hollows to breed and shelter. Many types of boxes have been
used and many are still in the experimental stage.
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