Albany survey to investigate whether wildlife-friendly gardens are good for humans too

Albany locals are being encouraged to take part in a UWA survey that aims to find out the benefits of wildlife-friendly gardens. UWA Albany would like residents to take part in the 10-minute online survey which looks at how wildlife-friendly gardens relate to human wellbeing benefits and improving happiness. UWA Albany campus research associate Bronte Van Helden said the subject of the survey was becoming increasingly important. “Cities are rapidly expanding all over the globe and as that’s happening, natural habitats are contracting everywhere,” she said. “Conserving biodiversity in urban areas is becoming more and more important. “Part of the project is looking at how can we help conserve wildlife in urban areas and how we can provide habitat for these animals.” Wildlife typically found around Albany homes include a wide variety of bird and possum species, bandicoots and insects. Ms Van Helden said wildlife-friendly structures in backyards helped promote animal habitat. “Ponds, nest boxes and bird baths give watering or shelter opportunities for wildlife,” she said. The survey is open until June and asks participants to answer a series of questions. Survey participants will be invited to register their interest in taking part in a citizen science project investigating what wildlife is found in gardens and how they use wildlife-friendly structures. The project is a collaboration between Perth NRM and UWA Albany and funded by the Federal Government’s Inspiring Australia Science Engagement Program.