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Homes For Wildlife
Our native animals are a picky lot when it comes to selecting their dwellings.
Fortunately, some clever humans have designed homes to suit all manner of wildlife.
Michael Cincotta, manager of Keelbundora Nursery, one of the nurseries currently working towards SGA certification as a Sustainable Garden Centre, explains why.
‘The homes are the result of over 15 years of research by La Trobe University, and are specifically designed for each animal, whether they are possum, bird or bat,’ he says.
The Pardalote box, for example, offers features that favour that species but it reduces the likelihood of pest species occupation. Similarly, the “pest inhibitors” that are attached to the Parrot boxes allow for seasonal use of parrots and reduce the invasion capability of Indian Mynas and Starlings.
On other boxes a number of design features are incorporated that increase the likelihood of occupation by native species, as opposed to pests.
In the last 4 years the University has established “Australian Wildlife Cameras” – a set of infra red (night vision) cameras mounted within nesting boxes. These cameras have helped with modifications to designs based on these observations. The images stream live to the web and provide hours of entertaining footage that can be viewed by the public at www.latrobe.edu.au/wildlife
La Trobe University Nesting Boxes are durable, easy to install and do not affect the growth of trees they are mounted on. They are made from ECOPLY™ a plantation grown pine plywood, made from and joined using ‘environmentally friendly’ adhesive products which are of low toxicity to native animals. They are finished for longevity with exterior UV-stable acrylic paint.
For more information regarding La Trobe University Nesting Boxes, please contact Michael Cincotta on (03) 9479 2871 or email nestboxes@latrobe.edu.au
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The information contained on this page is Copyright © SGA and intended for personal use only.
You may not use the information for any other purpose without the express written permission of SGA.
