We humans take pride in our homes. That all-important roof over our heads satisfying the basic needs of shelter and security – without which we would be exposed to the elements – the blistering heat and drenching rain of summer, the freezing cold and driving wind of winter and the ever-present threat of home invasion.

We also provide for the needs of our various pets, but all too often we fail to recognise the needs of urban native wildlife; often describing them with considerable distain, those pesky possums in the roof cavity, snake-like blue-tongues lurking in the garden shed, or evil little bats hiding in the power or communications box.

Topics covered in the article are :

• The Needs of Wildlife
• The Historical Perspective
• When Size does matter