Our native fauna, especially the birds and mammals, are particularly
appealing to many visitors to Australia.
Observing animals in the wild can be a very rewarding experience and many
people are attracted to places that offer such opportunities. Many animals
can become habituated to the presence of people and soon learn to take
advantage of food refuse and offerings. For most people this provides an
ideal opportunity to observe and ‘make contact' with wild animals and
many can't resist the desire to encourage closer contact by offering more
food more frequently. Though this is usually done with good intent most
people are unaware that these actions can upset the balance of nature.
Unnatural increases in animal numbers
Providing a regular artificial food source in this way can lead to
greater than normal numbers of animals living in the area. This puts extra
pressure on the natural food resources in the long term and can lead to
the loss of natural features as well as loss of primary production. For
example, grazing pressure from herbivores, such as kangaroos, may lead to
the loss of ground cover plant species such as orchids that are just as
attractive to the public as the kangaroos. Birds or kangaroos attracted by
artificial food sources could cause significant damage to crops on
surrounding farmland. Animals may also become increasingly dependent on
the artificial food source. This situation can be detrimental to the
animals in many ways.
Increased aggression
Increasing the numbers of animals in the one area can lead to
unnaturally high incidents of aggression between individuals of the same
or different species. Bandicoots, for example, are generally solitary
animals and encounters with other bandicoots often lead to aggression.
Some bandicoots have all or part of their tail missing from such
encounters! Aggression may also result from competing for food offerings.
Sometimes one, or a few, species such as Currawongs and Ravens can become
so numerous that they drive other species away by aggressive behaviour or
by preying on them or their young. The stress and injuries associated with
aggression may lead to disease and failure to breed. Some aggression may
even become directed at people.
Attracting predators
Predators such as hawks and owls may be attracted by the increase in
animals. Predator numbers may then become unnaturally high and this may
lead to increased predation not only in the immediate vicinity but also on
animal populations in surrounding areas where numbers were at naturally
sustainable levels. Some people may find the sight of animals killing
other animals traumatic or offensive.
Nutritional imbalance
The food that is offered is generally for human consumption and may be
highly processed. Although animals may find the food to their liking it
may not provide the balanced nutrition that they require. This may become
detrimental to their health, perhaps leading to disease, and may reduce
their ability to bare offspring.
Increased risk of disease
An unnatural concentration of animals can also provide the focal point
for outbreaks of highly transmissible diseases that can kill large numbers
of animals. Some diseases such as Salmonella , Toxoplasmosis ,
Psitticosis and E. coli infections are transmissible to
humans through exposure to faeces and urine as well as direct contact with
the animals themselves.
Attract fauna without feeding
Fauna can still be encouraged to live in or visit gardens or properties
by providing and maintaining areas of suitable natural habitat harbouring
natural food sources. By also providing protection from foxes, cats and
dogs, property owners can create sanctuaries where local native fauna can
thrive. Animals can still become habituated to the presence of people
without the use of food, thus allowing visitors and residents the
rewarding experience of observing wild animals at close proximity without
unnecessary interference.
TAKE CARE OF
WILDLIFE
If you find an injured or orphaned animal in your travels
wrap it in a towel and place it in a dark quiet box. Phone 013
for your nearest WIRES or National Parks & Wildlife Service
or take it to the nearest vet. The little wild Aussie will be
forever grateful!
