Wildlife in the City
Nicole Haddock

Black Swan Photo G. Little copyright Australian Museum

Yellow Robin Photo John Blay

Pacific Black ducks in another urban park at Lane Cove Photo Jacqui Hickson

Living amongst the close-set Victorian terraces and designer shops of Paddington NSW, it is very refreshing to know my escape to nature is only a 10-minute walk away. The escape, Centennial Park; a diverse environment of native plants and animals. Brush-tailed possums make their homes in the fig and palm trees and various species of Frogs inhabit the swamps. Turtles can also be spotted making their slow but purposeful journey from one shelter to another.

Centennial Park is a wonderful place to watch and listen to a variety of birds. It is not uncommon to see large groups of pelicans gathered by one of the park’s largest ponds or a family of black swans wandering off to their chosen location. People out on their morning walk often wait patiently for ducks to cross a path safely before they continue.

There are many national parks that offer us exposure to wildlife but Centennial Park illustrates the fact that even within a short distance of our central business district, we are able to experience unique Australian plants and animals.

Experience city wildlife in your own backyard!

However, not only public parks allow suburban and city dwellers to stay in touch with wildlife. The simple backyard garden can offer a wealth of flora and fauna as well! Smaller birds, such as the Wattlebird and Pee-wee, have attracted other bird life that was once not commonly observed in Sydney.

Rob Marshall, in his book Urban Wildlife describes, “The Common Koel or Coo-ee bird is a recent visitor to Sydney suburbs south of the Harbour Bridge.” He also mentions that, “native bird life is now an integral part of our city landscape, without our gardens and national parks these birds would not be with us.”

Benefits of urban biodiversity

What does this urban biodiversity mean to us? Evidence supports that urban biodiversity fosters psychological well being. Harvard University studies, conducted by E.O Wilson have shown that exposure to wildlife is essential for people to have concern for plants and animals. Wilson’s studies have also proved that urban biodiversity helps us understand why we have to be responsible for preserving wetlands and coastal areas.

Getting involved

You can build on the relationships you start in your garden or local park by joining one of the many bush and wildlife care groups. This will allow you to enjoy the sounds and sights in your backyard and also play an active role in keeping them there.

So where is the best spot in your city to see wildlife in the wild?

Send us an email for our next PAWS issue and win one of 10 backyard buddies kits to make your backyard a wildlife haven.

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