Urban, Backyard, and Garden

Not only do companion animals live in urban, backyard, and garden areas, but lots of wild animals can be found in this environment as well. Have a look at some of the animals you can see visiting backyards, parks, gardens, or just between your walk from home to school:

• Insects (bees, ants, beetles, butterflies)
• Skinks and geckos
• Snails and slugs
• Birds (native and non-native including tūī, kererū, blackbird, ducks, starling, swallow, pīwakawaka, kea)
• Hedgehogs

The urban areas of New Zealand have some truly beautiful green space filled with different plants, trees, shrubs, etc. Below are some examples of the flora you can find sometimes just by looking out your window:

• Pōhutukawa
• Kōwhai
• Pūriri
• Harakeke (flax)
• Kōtukutuku
• Rewarewa
• Five finger
• Kānuka
• Creeping fuchsia
• Toe toe
• Mānuka 
• NZ iris
• NZ blueberry
• Kaka beak

Roads, buildings, malls, homes, and parking lots have taken up a lot of space which has caused a lot of challenges for wildlife. As such, it’s not uncommon to see insects and birds in urban areas. However, because their habitats have gotten smaller, wildlife has faced a lot of challenges.

Window strike

Window strike is when birds accidentally fly into windows. Birds often strike windows because they see a reflection of clouds, sky or trees which makes them think that they can fly straight on ahead. This can cause serious injuries for birds or can even be fatal. Young birds learning to fly are especially vulnerable.

Habitat loss/deforestation

Sadly, many forests and wetlands have been destroyed over the years since people settled in New Zealand. Forests were cleared to make way for things like carparks, malls, houses, etc., as well as to make use of the timber for construction and land for farming. People have encroached on these spaces which have caused animals to try and find homes elsewhere in some cases. This results in a lack of food, water, and shelter for these animals.

Roads and vehicles

Roads and vehicles are big hazards for wildlife. Animals trying to cross the road in search for food and shelter can sadly be killed by motor vehicles, not knowing that it’s dangerous. Additionally, roads have cleared major parts of their natural habitats, destroying their livelihood and driving them to urban areas.   

Companion animals

If a cat or dog attempts to chase or catch wildlife, they are acting on a strong natural instinct – not misbehaving. It is an animal guardian’s (owner’s) responsibility to control and contain their animals in order to help protect wildlife.

Weeds

People have introduced a number of different weeds to New Zealand. Originally meant to be garden plants, these weeds ended up thriving in New Zealand’s climate. Unfortunately, this has become a big issue, as the weeds have changed the natural balance of wildlife habitats.

Weeds have outnumbered the amount of native plants – the plants that our treasured wildlife depend on to live. This reduced source of food and breeding sites often affects wildlife behaviour.

Use of pesticides

Pesticides that are used in urban, backyard, and garden habitats can kill bees and other invertebrates. Bees are such an important part of conservation - they feed on pollen and nectar, they are a main pollinator of plants and flowers that are used by both humans and animals. Without them, many plants would not survive.

Feeding wildlife human food

Although people have good intentions when they feed wild animals like ducks and other birds, it can actually lead to several problems, some of which are listed below:  

• If the wrong foods are fed to animals, they won’t get the nutrients that provide them with energy and strength.

• It contributes to an imbalance in bird species, with introduced birds thriving excessively.

• Inappropriate food can cause deformation - this means their body parts don’t grow the way they’re supposed to.

• When birds are given food by humans, it makes them dependent and less able to survive without the provided food.

• Rotting bread also pollutes water which encourages bacterial growth and disease that harms animals.

Litter

Litter has serious negative impacts on wildlife and is very dangerous for them.

Wild animals are vulnerable to litter as they can become entangled or trapped in it, leading to serious injuries or even death. Animals can also mistake litter for food which can be a choking hazard, cause issues with impaction in the gut, and lead to starvation.

Not only does this litter harm wild animals, but companion animals have gotten serious injuries from litter as well.

Prevent window strike

There are a few things you can do to help prevent window strike:

• Use UV reflecting stickers on your windows
• Turn the blinds slightly to reduce reflections
• Turn unused lights off at night
• Make sun catchers to hang on your windows like the one in issue 2 of the Kind Matters newsletter. 

Build bat homes, bug hotels, and lizard lounges

• Keep things like bricks, logs, concrete blocks, flower pots, leaf litter, rocks, etc. in your backyard as lizards and insects like to hide in the crevices. You can create loosely stack piles of these materials so the tiny creatures in your backyard have a safe place to find cover.
• Make bug hotels like the one in issue 9 of the Kind Matters newsletter to help provide a safe space for insects to inhabit.
• Plan an at-home or school project to plan, construct, and place bat houses in your garden or school yard. 

Find safer ways to protect your garden

Instead of using pesticides that can kill animals such as bees, consider natural alternatives for the garden like planting onion, garlic, or marigolds.

However, if your dogs can access your garden, avoid onion and garlic. 

Plant locally sourced native trees/plants

Planting specific bird friendly trees, plants, and flowers is an effective, kind, and compassionate way to promote native species. Many native birds rely on nectar, fruit, and/or insects for the nutrients they need to be happy and healthy. You can plant species from the urban, backyard, and garden flora list or ask your local garden centre what the best plants are for your area! Just be sure that you do not plant too close to your windows to help prevent bird strike.

In addition to this, if you find any pest plants, it’s important that you remove and disposed of them safely and carefully. Contact your local council to find out how to best dispose of them in your area.

Provide animal-friendly sources of water

These sources can include:

• Bird baths
• Shallow dishes for bees
• Shallow ceramic dishes of water on the ground for other animals

It’s very important to make sure you keep these water sources clean and prevent the growth of bacteria by washing them out with mild soap and water every day.

Keep your cat safe and happy at home

Contained cats are more likely to enjoy a longer, healthier life. This includes spending more quality time with you, keeping them safe from road traffic, avoiding problems with your neighbours, and reducing the risk they will harm or kill other animals.

You can contain your cat by cat-proofing an outdoor area, using a combination of indoors and a secure outdoor enclosure, or keeping your cat indoors. You will need to provide them with opportunities to meet their physical and behavioural needs.

For more information, click here.

You can also take a look at the rest of our bird friendly cat tips in the Wild Birds section below. 

Additionally, it’s important to follow the rules when you and your family are exercising your dog.

Birds - to feed or not to feed?

Many people think they are doing a good thing by feeding birds human food like bread. Unfortunately, although birds will happily gobble up bread, bread is actually very unhealthy for them. Bread fills up a bird’s stomach, but it doesn’t give them any of the nutrition they need to be healthy and strong. When birds eat bread, it’s just like people filling up lots of junk food. This can lead to several problems, like the ones listed in the challenges above.

Rather than feeding them bread or bird seed, which holds little to no nutritional value, it’s best to plant a buffet of trees, bushes and shrubs for birds in your backyard to help them thrive. This will give birds areas to rest, feel safe, and of course eat. Help keep New Zealand’s birds safe and healthy by keeping bread at home for your toast and sandwiches!

Give wildlife space

It’s always important to admire wildlife from a distance. Remain quiet, don’t approach them, and give them the distance and respect they deserve.

Get involved

There are lots of ways you can get involved with different groups, organisations, and projects to help conserve wildlife:

• Participate in the New Zealand Garden Bird Survey. This fun citizen science project helps gather valuable information about New Zealand’s garden birds and their distribution across New Zealand. Search https://gardenbirdsurvey.landcareresearch.co.nz/ website for more information.
• Get involved in the Great Kererū Count. This fun citizen science project was set up to help gather information about kererū numbers and their distribution across New Zealand. Find out more about this great project at: www.greatkererucount.nz
• Check to see if there is a local conservation group you can get involved with – if not, why not start your own!

Write a polite letter or email

You can write a polite email or letter to the government supporting the development of city green corridors, protection of parks and reserves, and urging for further initiatives that protect urban wildlife within your region.

Spread the word

Help protect precious wildlife by sharing these facts and tips with all your friends, family, classmates, and teachers!

If you see a wild animal that is not sick, injured, or in danger, it is best to give them space and let them go about their day. 

If you find a wild animal who is sick or injured, remember to put everyone’s safety first and with the help of an adult, call the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

DOC can help you locate a local wildlife rescue and/or come help the animal. It’s important to be as precise as possible about the animal’s location so they can be found quickly.

Check out our Wild Bird section below to read information on what you should do if you find a wild bird and our Hedgehog section to learn what to do if you find a hedgehog needing help.

It's common in spring and summer to see young birds (fledglings) sitting on the ground or hopping about without any sign of their parents.

This is perfectly normal. As long as the fledgling is in a safe area and appears healthy, there's no need to be worried. These fledglings are doing exactly what they are meant to do at their age. 

The chicks of most common garden birds leave their nest once they are fully feathered, but before they are able to fly. These fledglings spend a day or two, sometimes longer, on the ground while their flight feathers finish growing. The only exceptions are swallows, swifts, fairy-martins and tree-martins, as they are able to fly well as soon as they leave the nest, so they should never be found on the ground.

However tempting it may be, interfering with a young bird like this will do more harm than good. Fledglings are very unlikely to be abandoned by their parents. Just because you cannot see their mum or dad, it does not mean that they are not there. The parents are probably just away collecting food or are hidden close by keeping a watchful eye on their baby. They may even have been frightened away from their baby by your presence and are waiting to come back once you leave. 

Click on the image below to download our infographic so you can learn what to do if you find a baby bird:

If you are concerned that the parents of a fledgling are missing, wait and watch for the parents: observe the baby bird continuously for 60-90 minutes from a distance – ideally through a window inside your home. If the parents are about and can see you, they will not come back until you are gone. 

Watch carefully; the parents fly in and out very quickly. 

If the parents don't return, call your local SPCA or bird rescue centre. 

Ask an adult to rescue a bird if:

• The bird has blood on him/herself.
• The bird has an open wound.
• The bird has a broken bone.
• The bird cannot stand on their own.
• One of the bird's legs is hanging uselessly.
• The bird cannot fly (but he or she is not a nestling or fledgling being coached by nearby parents).
• The bird's beak is damaged.
• The bird has oil on his or her feathers.
• The bird is caught in a trap, fishing line, or string.
• The bird has been caught by a cat even, if he or she seems fine.
• The bird is unconscious.
• The bird is having difficulty breathing.
• The bird is a fledgling on a busy path or road, or other unsafe area.

Click on the image below to download our infographic so you can learn what to do if you find a baby bird:

Remember, if the young bird has a full covering of feathers, he/she will have left the nest deliberately and is no longer meant to be in a nest. Unless he/she is injured, such a bird should be left where he/she is, in the care of his/her own parents.

If the baby bird is on a busy path, road or other unsafe area, ask an adult to gently move the fledgling to a safe spot as nearby as possible. If there is a thick hedge close by, place the bird here - this will be hard for cats to climb up onto and also gives a good platform from which it can eventually take off. The fledgling will call out for his or her parents and should be fed by them until it's time to take that first major flight, hopefully within a week or so.

If the young bird has no feathers or it is covered in fluffy down, this means he/she is a nestling and has probably fallen out of a nest by accident. In this case, ask an adult to use one of these rescue methods:

Put the baby bird back into their nest

• Ask an adult to help you try to locate the nest and place the nestling back in.
• If the nest has fallen out of the tree, ask an adult to wedge it securely back into place.
• Only do this if you are sure which nest the nestling came from, and if the baby bird appears strong and healthy.

Make a replacement nest

• Ask an adult to help you cut an ice cream or milk container in half, recycle the top part and keep the bottom.
• Ask an adult to punch small holes in the bottom (for drainage) and holes in the side (small enough to feed string, thread, or wire through) and hang it from either a tree branch or clothesline (The clothesline is preferable, as cats have difficulty climbing up clothesline poles).
• Put bark shavings, leaves, etc. in the bottom of the container. Then place the fledgling inside.
• The fledgling should call out and be fed by the parents until it gets its full flying wings and is ready to leave.

• When a bird collides with a window, it is usually just stunned and will be flying again within an hour, after having a rest. 
• To keep the bird safe during this time, ask an adult to carefully pick up the bird and place him or her in a well-ventilated box on something soft, like an old towel, and put the box in a warm and quiet area to recover. 
• Avoid over handling the bird and the box. 
• After an hour, ask an adult to check on the bird and if he or she looks like they have recovered, take the box outside, gently tilt the box away from you and open the lid. All going well the bird should fly off immediately.
• If the bird has made no signs of recovering contact your local SPCA or bird rescue centre for further advice.

• Unfortunately, birds of many types are killed by flying into glass windows and doors.
• Window strike often occurs when birds can see through one window of your home and out through another, they don’t notice the glass in between and attempt to fly through this path way. Your family can change this simply by putting up a curtain on one or both windows, or they could remember to close a door which blocks the look of a pathway.
• Birds often strike windows when they see a reflection of clouds, sky or trees which makes them think they are flying into open air. Your family can put a screen or a shade cloth over the window which is nearest to bird activity. A shade cloth, available at hardware stores, is a plastic mesh that you can see through, but will prevent the windows from having reflections. If you have blinds, turn them so they are slightly closed, this will reduce reflection.
• Many different window decals are on the market for placing on your window for bird strike prevention. 
• Sun ornaments, crystals, strips of cloth and other objects in the window will help birds know they can’t fly through. 
• Avoid hanging plants in front of windows which are in areas of high bird activity – this can further confuse the bird which may fly towards the plant looking for shelter. 
• Bird feeders should be positioned well away from windows or up quite close within 2 or 3 feet of a window. By placing the feeder up close, birds come in at a slower speed; they’re less likely to get hurt.

Catching an injured bird can be difficult. Handling must be firm but gentle. If not, more injury will be caused. It is very important that you ask an adult to do this for you. First and foremost, it is important to be careful, as some birds can cause serious injuries because they’re sick, stressed, and/or afraid.

• An adult can help you decide if there is a need to rescue the bird. Do so quickly and quietly.
• If the bird does need help, fetch a lightweight towel or blanket.
• Carefully throw the lightweight towel or lightweight blanket over the bird.
• Gently scoop up the bird within the towel or blanket and place the bird in a well-ventilated box and cover the top. The darkness will calm him or her.
• Keep the bird warm. Fill a hot water bottle, wrap the hot water bottle in a towel, and place it under the bird.
• Call your local SPCA or bird rescue centre.

If you do not have a towel or light weight blanket, an adult can attempt the following methods:

• Small birds up to blackbird size can be held in one hand. Place your hand over the bird so that his or her head fits between your forefinger and middle finger. The rest of your fingers will naturally wrap around each wing, holding the bird firmly.
• Medium-sized birds are best held with two hands, one over each wing. 
• Handling large birds requires great care because of risk of injury to the person and the bird. Unless you are used to handling large birds, it is best to call your local SPCA or bird rescue centre, rather than try to capture a large bird yourself.
• Place the bird in a well-ventilated box and cover the top. The darkness will calm the bird.
• Keep the bird warm. Fill a hot water bottle, wrap the hot water bottle in a towel and place it under the bird.
• Call your local SPCA or bird rescue centre.

Remember, the best way to keep your cat safe and protect wildlife, is to keep your cat contained on your property. But, by following these simple tips, your family can also minimise the impact that your cat could have on wildlife around your home. 

• Feeding your cat well can reduce his or her need to hunt for food. This means feeding your cat a complete and balanced diet at regular times. 
• If you are going away on holiday, ensure that your family has arranged for your cat to be fully cared for. Having your cat cared for by a responsible person in your own home, or organising for your cat to stay at a cattery, rather than taking it on holiday with you is usually the best option. Many people like to holiday in places near conservation areas, where cats can have a greater impact on wildlife. In some cases, cats have been left behind at the end of a holiday because their owners have been unable to find them when they go to leave! 
• Cats are best kept inside after dark. This is the time when they are most likely to fight with other cats, be involved in motor vehicle accidents, and is when they can be a threat to native birds nesting in trees. If they have access to a litter tray and are given a cosy bed, they will be content staying inside at night.
• If you have a bird feeder or bird bath in your garden, ensure they are placed in areas that do not provide cover for cats to hide and wait for birds. 
• To prevent cats from climbing to bird nests, your family can put safe animal guards around any trees in your garden that may have nesting birds.
• Provide moving toys for your cat to play with. This will help prevent boredom, which can be a reason for a well-fed cat hunting. 
• If your cat does catch a bird or animal, remember that they are acting on a strong natural instinct, not misbehaving. Punishing your cat will not help and will only cause confusion and distress.
• If your cat catches a bird that you think can be saved: Put the bird in a covered box with a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Take the bird (in the box) to your nearest SPCA, vet clinic, or bird rescue (in some areas, there are groups that care for injured birds, such as the Auckland’s Bird Rescue). 
• Attaching a small bell to your cat’s collar (make sure it’s a safe quick release collar) can also help. Bells make it harder for cats to stalk silently because birds are warned by the jingle of the bell.
• Every year, SPCA receives thousands of unwanted cats and kittens. In addition, many more unwanted cats and kittens are inhumanely killed or abandoned throughout New Zealand. With no home or anyone to care for them, most abandoned cats then have to try and survive on their own - this includes foraging and hunting for food. This problem can be prevented by getting your cat spayed or neutered and encouraging other cat owners to do the same. You can learn about spaying and neutering in our Responsible Guardianship (pet ownership) section. Sometimes people find themselves in the very unfortunate position of being unable to keep their companion animal (pet). When this happens, it is the responsibility of the animal's guardian (owner) to find them a suitable, new, caring home. Under no circumstances is it ever okay to abandon an animal. SPCA can give advice to help people find a new home for their companion.

• Just like us and our companion animals (pets), wild birds can suffer from illness. The best thing people can do is to prevent healthy birds from catching illnesses and spreading diseases. 
• One of the best methods to prevent disease is keeping bird feeders and water containers in your garden super clean.
• Avoid feeding birds near waterways as this adds nutrients to the water that encourage build- up of bacteria and disease.

When early European settlers brought their crops to NZ, they also accidentally brought many of the unwanted bugs, slugs and insects that came with them. This meant they quickly needed a cure as their crops were being gobbled up by these garden pests.

The ideal cure was a prickly garden pest-eater called the hedgehog. So, hedgehogs were brought to New Zealand and for the past 100 years, we've gone along with the idea that the hedgehog is a kind of garden helper, munching up garden bugs that would otherwise be eating our fruit, vegetables and plants.

BUT... the problem is when hedgehogs find their way into areas of native bush. This is where they are now known to eat the eggs of riverbed breeding birds, such as the banded dotterel and black-fronted tern. Hedgehogs have also been known to eat chicks of a variety of ground-nesting birds and small native insects and reptiles. Due to these additions to the hedgehog’s diet, they are now regarded a pest in many regions.

Of course, it is not the poor hedgehog’s fault. They are not bad creatures and they didn’t choose to come to New Zealand. However, like many other introduced animals, they are simply in the wrong place. Hedgehogs do not naturally belong in New Zealand; therefore, our native wildlife is not adapted to protect themselves from them.

So, when living in New Zealand bush, hedgehogs are considered pests. The hedgehog’s impact in most native bush areas that have the full range of other pests is considered low, because some of these other pests – like stoats – also eat hedgehogs. However, in areas where other pests are absent, like many Hauraki Gulf islands, hedgehogs can increase in numbers and become a significant predator of threatened native species.

Our native bush is quite different from our suburban gardens where they instead chomp through garden beetles, slugs and snails.

Whether a pest or gardener’s friend, no living creature deserves to suffer.

URGENT HELP IS NEEDED if you see a hedgehog:

• with cuts or wounds
• with flies, tiny white eggs or maggots (small white worms) anywhere on their body
• that limps or is wobbly
• that is very thin and not a round shape
• that has bald patches, a crusty skin or missing spines
• that is tangled in wire, string or netting.
• that stays in the same spot in the open during the day for any length of time

It is important to contact a Hedgehog Rescue Centre as soon as possible for more advice BUT before contacting a centre, you can ask an adult to do the following:

• Pick the hedgehog up with an old towel to protect yourself from the prickles. They will not bite but may make a snorting noise and curl up. This is their way of protecting themselves from predators. They will be very sick if they do not curl up.
• Put the hedgehog in a box with a lid or cat carrier lined with newspaper and an old towel down one end. 
  - If the hedgehog is sick, he/she will need warmth - a warm (not hot) hot water bottle covered with a 2nd towel will help. 
  - Give water only (not milk or bread, both of which will make the hedgehog sick) and a small amount of tinned cat or dog food (not fish) in a heavy shallow dish they can’t tip over. You may also give small cat biscuits. 
  - Make sure you have a lid with air holes and closes firmly as they are great escape artists!
• If you see tiny white eggs, try and brush off with an old toothbrush. It is important to check that they are not in the hedgehog's ears or on the hedgehog's face.
• Place the box somewhere warm, dry and quiet. Handle as little as possible and very gently.
• As with all animals, strict hygiene rules should apply. Make sure after handling the hedgehog or their bedding that you wash your hands thoroughly.
• If you use a cat carrier, or any other type of lidded basket, you will need to sterilise this with hospital strength bleach after you have finished using it. If the hedgehog is only in your care for a short time, a cardboard box can then be destroyed, saving sterilisation. Likewise, any blankets used must also be sterilised, so ideally use old blankets/jerseys for warmth that you don't mind throwing away.

Now contact a Hedgehog Rescue Centre for advice:

New Zealand Wide
Hedgehog Haven – Peg Loague
PO Box 119, Taupo
Tel: 07 378 7630|
Peg will be able to give you further advice and possibly have a contact in your local area. You can also contact her via email.

See video on Peg's work on Animal Academy TV series (Episode 2, end of chapter 1)

Thank you to Peg Loague of Hedgehog Haven for her kind and knowledgeable advice on which this information is based.