Hollows in Trees: Homes for Aussie Animals

Imagine a big, old tree. It's really tall and has lots of leaves. But there’s something special about this tree - it has a hole in it! This hole is called a hollow.

Why are hollow trees so important?

Lots of Aussie animals call hollow trees home. They're like tiny apartments for our furry, feathery, and scaly friends!

• Safe and cozy: Hollows protect animals from the hot sun, cold nights, and even scary animals like foxes and cats.
• Baby homes: Many animals, like possums and owls, raise their babies in hollow trees. It’s a safe place for little ones to grow.
• Sleeping spots: Some animals, like bats and gliders, sleep in hollows during the day.
• Hiding places: Lizards, snakes, and frogs use hollows to hide from danger.

But there’s a problem!

There aren't as many old trees with hollows as there used to be. People sometimes cut down trees to build houses or make things. This means there aren't enough homes for our Aussie animals.

How can we help?

We can build special houses called nest boxes! These are like little apartments for animals. Building nest boxes is fun and helps animals find a home.

Let’s build a nest box!

Building a nest box is like making a special gift for an animal. We can use wood, nails, and a hammer. We need to make sure the box is the right size for the animal we want to help. Some animals like big boxes, while others like small ones.

Learning while we build

Building a nest box is not just about helping animals; it’s also about learning! We can learn about different kinds of wood, how to use tools safely, and how to measure and cut things straight.

Putting up the nest box

Once the nest box is finished, we can put it up in a safe place. We need to make sure it’s high enough so cats can't reach it. 

Watching and waiting

After putting up the nest box, we can watch and wait to see if any animals move in. It might take some time, but when it happens, it’s really exciting!