GOOD INFORMATION:
Offering Food to Wildlife
Many people feel connected with our native animals and love being in contact with them, enjoying their presence, their beauty, their uniqueness and their amazing features.
Wildlife makes our gardens more interesting, full of different colours and sounds and very much alive!!
There is no surprise that for many of us, attracting them to our properties is a real passion.
However, it is important to understand what is really beneficial for our native animals, because sometimes with the best intention, we can follow wrong practices which are not good for them in the long term.
native vegetation is the best, healthiest and more natural diet for wildlife
artificial feeding for wildlife can be more detrimental than beneficial for the animals
Providing food sources which are not part of their natural diet, can be detrimental for wildlife because:
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Some foods can alter the delicate balance of their gut flora, producing digestive problems and other health issues.
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Non-natural diets may not provide a balanced source of nutrients needed for the wildlife to develop, thrive and survive in a normal way.
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The animals become dependent of humans instead of being self-sufficient and independent.
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Abundance of non-natural food may attract large numbers of animals to a small area, unbalancing the natural dynamics of species' populations.
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High density populations of animals are more susceptible to spread any contagious infection that may occur.
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Animals used to visit the same spot over and over again, become more vulnerable to predation by cats, dogs or foxes.
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Some animals change their behaviour, becoming less alert/reactive and more relaxed/confident/tamed, which may reduce their ability to avoid predation.
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Animals can become used to human contact, which can be dangerous for them, because not all humans appreciate wildlife. There are also many dangers for wildlife associated with humans, such as pets, fences, etc.
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The food we provide for wildlife can attract other animals like rats, mice and cockroaches.
The best, more sustainable and more natural way to encourage wildlife to visit our gardens, is by planting the local native plants from our area, also called indigenous plants.
When we create or restore natural habitats by planting indigenous plants in our properties, parks, schools and any open space, we are providing the right food source to our wildlife, which will ensure their health and long term survival.
By planting indigenous gardens, we are also giving a continuous food source that can feed many generations of wildlife to come.
Nature in Australia is extraordinary at many levels. We are very lucky to share this land with amazing animals and plants, which have been evolving here for more than 35 millions of years, creating many unique ecosystems.
Becoming the custodians of those treasures is a privilege, and we all should contribute to make sure they are preserved for ever.
The best way to provide food to wildlife, keeping their populations healthy, balanced and truly wild, is by planting local native plants. In this way, we create perfect habitats where they can live in a natural way.