More Reserves & Dedicated Reserves Within Developments Because:
Home gardens can provide habitat for many of Australia's creatures. However, this habitat is always at the mercy of the owner [regardless of any preservation regulations], and owners change, and the percentage of those keen to have a mini native wilderness for a garden are few. It's Russian roulette for these little creatures and their habitat, as they are impacted by everyday human activities – even inadvertently. The preference for manicured lawns and not much else, and the constant removal of trees for firewood put any habitat at serious risk, and its inhabitants facing homelessness or even death.
With the downsizing of lots any retention of habitat is seriously compromised due to human occupation impeding most wildlife. Even large lots are being cleared more and more as the desire for ‘colonial’ country style living demands the stripping out of lower and ground storeys of native habitat whether or not it is necessary. Add the ever increasing demand for firewood and suppression of tree regrowth. This is why there is a need to preserve habitat in dedicated reserves for the protection of Australia’s unique plants and wildlife, many threatened with extinction. Not only will this benefit nature, it will consequently benefit human habitation, with buffers * and wellbeing**.
With the downsizing of lots any retention of habitat is seriously compromised due to human occupation impeding most wildlife. Even large lots are being cleared more and more as the desire for ‘colonial’ country style living demands the stripping out of lower and ground storeys of native habitat whether or not it is necessary. Add the ever increasing demand for firewood and suppression of tree regrowth. This is why there is a need to preserve habitat in dedicated reserves for the protection of Australia’s unique plants and wildlife, many threatened with extinction. Not only will this benefit nature, it will consequently benefit human habitation, with buffers * and wellbeing**.
Some of the negative impacts:
**wellbeing: greenspace is proven as effective for human wellbeing
***runoff: increase in water volume for stormwater, increasing flood potential, frequency, and negative impacts on waterways both in erosion and harm to aquatic wildlife via unfiltered suburban toxins etc.
- The practice of preserving large natives on small lots is counterproductive: Native gums may grow too big and drop branches creating infrastructure and safety issues; any value as ecology is severely compromised. [Preservation of substantial reserves instead of one or two trees left on small lots would remedy this. Easy solution that is ignored!]
- Buildings and other infrastructure [patios, driveways, other hard surfaces etc.] ground compaction [by vehicles, mowers, human traffic etc.]: change micro climates; alter rain absorption and availability to tree roots, water table levels, and increase runoff***; affect soil and subsoil conditions; microbiology and aeration etc. and ultimately health of nearby trees.
- Fertilizers [phosphates, lime], herbicides, insecticides, detergents.
- Pets: can injure wildlife; impede access to habitat & nesting etc.
- Noise and night light: disturbance of normal behaviour patterns, and communication; attraction to unsafe areas by insects attracted to lights etc.
- Root damage during construction [house, patios, driveways], compaction, gardening.
- Competition from aggressive trees such as conifers.
- What is a valuable tree for habitat – [with nesting hollows for wildlife and bees etc.] are often deemed ugly and good for nothing but firewood. On small lots they become serious safety hazards prompting necessary removal.
- Stripping out of under storeys, mowing, removal of natural debris are unhealthy stresses for trees resulting in disease, increased pest attack, and death: reduces micro climate moisture levels [dries out] and alters temperature levels; loss of healthy microbial and invertebrate activity [fungi, worms, insects etc.] vital for healthy plants; reduction/loss in vital levels of the food chain for wildlife; loss of safe habitat for many creatures.
- Neighbouring activities may impact your habitat efforts: e.g. next door is liberal with pesticides; loose dogs frequent the area; feral cats; a neighbour’s cat jumps the fence.
- Roadways with fast traffic, or inconsiderate drivers and no safe crossings for wildlife.
- Legal and illegal tree removal.
- No matter how important a tree is, even critically endangered, it will outgrow its small suburban sized block and need removal.
**wellbeing: greenspace is proven as effective for human wellbeing
***runoff: increase in water volume for stormwater, increasing flood potential, frequency, and negative impacts on waterways both in erosion and harm to aquatic wildlife via unfiltered suburban toxins etc.