Hollow Habitats – Who lives there?

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Photo: Jordan Spalding http://unsplash.com/

Bushfires, land clearing and spreading housing developments have all contributed to the loss of vegetation. Revegetation projects will replace a lot of the trees and shrubs but what about the many animals that rely on old trees with hollows for protection and breeding sites?

Old trees are often removed because they are not attractive in the landscape or perhaps in danger of falling. But are they home to a family of possums or rosellas? Where will they go when the tree disappears?

We can’t immediately replace these old trees but we can provide alternative homes for the wildlife that depend on them.

James Smith, author of “Wildlife of Adelaide”, will be talking about Hollow Habitats at the Hills Environment Centre, 4 Crescent Drive on Thursday September 24th at 7pm.

James will talk about the various native species that rely on hollows, the importance of naturally occurring hollows and how we can provide these essential resources – but for how long?

James has an extensive knowledge of Australian wildlife and South Australian wildlife in particular. He has installed nesting boxes for possums, bats and a variety of bird species, which have proven to be successful breeding sites. There can be problems associated with them too, which James will explain.

Mature trees provide habitat for a vast array of insects, birds and mammals. Stand by a tree and watch the traffic in the canopy, the critters on and under the bark, then the wildlife that come out at night. It is extraordinary!

You will learn about who is living in the hollows and how you can help the homeless wildlife by attending James talk “Hollow Habitats”. To reserve your seat, register by emailing valhunt@ahnrc.org. The cost is a gold coin donation.