HAVING a thriving, green backyard to call your own has long been a staple of the Australian dream. But how many of us are really in touch with the life beyond our back door?
Australia has some of the most diverse wildlife in the world, thanks to our geographic isolation.
More than 90 per cent of our plant species, 87 per cent of our mammals and 45 per cent of birds are endemic to the country.
And 89 per cent of Australia's marsupials are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.
Unfortunately, however, we have the worst record for vascular plant and mammal extinctions in the world.
Research shows that conservation behaviours that are simple to incorporate into daily life are the most likely to be adopted.
That's where Backyard Buddies comes in. The environmental education initiative spearheaded by the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife raises awareness and provides information on native plants and animals that are likely to be seen in urban environments.
The movement has just launched a new website to provides fun, simple ways of engaging with and conserving our native flora and fauna.
"Many Australians are unaware how simple it is to get involved in conservation," said National Parks & Wildlife chief executive Ian Darbyshire.
"It's easy to think one person can't make an impact, and that's what we're trying to disprove with Backyard Buddies."
Ian's top five tips to care for the wildlife around you:
1. Go chemical-free
"Chemical pesticides and fertilisers are often used as a quick fix to many gardening woes. However, these harsh substances can cause unseen damage to native wildlife. Instead of drowning pests in poison, encourage their harmless, natural predators.
Ladybirds, lace wings and hoverflies all feed on nasty bugs like aphids. These friendlier insects may thrive simply when you back off with the pesticides, but can also be encouraged by purchasing their eggs and placing them in your garden.
A bird bath in a shady spot will also attract pest-eating birds, with the added bonus of adding a touch of class to your yard."
2. Keep an eye on your pets
"A man's best friend can be the worst enemy of native wildlife. Keep your dogs fenced in and away from the base of trees so they can't attack possums and koalas.
Try to keep your cats indoors as much as possible, especially at night when they are more likely to go on the prowl. You may want to invest in a cat walk, allowing them to go outdoors without posing a risk to our furry and feathered friends."
3. Plant smart
"Before adding any new plants to your garden, choose wisely. You can help the local ecosystem by opting for plants indigenous to your area. Check with your local council; they often have a list of these plants.
When planting, try to arrange flora of diverse heights together and position shrubs and grasses in dense clumps. This will provide shelter for smaller creatures and attract insects and lizards that large birds love to eat.
Add a splash of colour to your backyard by planting nectar-producing flora like banksias, grevilleas and bottlebrush. These will attract species like wattlebirds and rainbow lorikeets.
If you're after a DIY project, building a nest box is a fun, sure-fire way to attract some interesting visitors."
4. Attract new friends
"Our well-manicured, sparse lawns are pretty much the opposite of what most animals crave in a habitat. This tends to attract only pesky, aggressive wildlife like noisy miner birds. Instead, create homes for your backyard buddies such as a ladybird house or DIY bee hotel.
Bees will naturally seek a sheltered position, so find a suitable spot in your garden before you get started. Bees typically love hollow logs, holes in trees and hollows in dead plants. They will even set up house in cracks in building walls.
To create your own DIY bee hotel try this website www.backyardbuddies.org.au/habitats/build-a-bee-hotel
5. Lend a helping hand
"It can be difficult to know how to act upon seeing an injured or sick animal. Your best bet is generally contacting a wildlife carer, many of whom have 24-hour hotlines.
To be prepared, save the numbers to a few hotlines in your phone and keep a blanket and a cardboard box in the boot of your car in case you have to transport an animal.
To avoid danger to yourself and the animal, don't try to handle flying foxes, venomous reptiles, snakes or birds of prey. When approaching an animal, be extremely cautious.
Wild animals are not used to being handled and may lash out. As tempting as it is, do not feed them or give them water as wild animals have specialised diets and you can easily make them sick."
- For more information - www.backyardbuddies.org.au
