Using volunteer power to monitor forgotten nest boxes.
Nest boxes are a common conservation tool used to provide habitat for hollow-using wildlife, particularly in areas where natural tree hollows are limited.
Nest boxes are installed by a variety of community groups and individuals, and a great number have been installed on private land and in various parks and reserves across Victoria. Long-term monitoring of nest box condition and use is less certain, often due to lack of time and money, or in some cases, limited access to specialist equipment or an arborist.
“In 2020, nearly a third of the 10,000 nest boxes installed across Australia were not monitored”
Macak 20201
Together with Eco Warriors Australia, and funded by Parks Victoria Volunteer Innovation Fund, we are monitoring 500 nest boxes across Victoria to assess use by native and introduced species, and any maintenance issues.
This unique project gives community members the opportunity to observe and collect data on the native wildlife that use nest boxes. Nest boxes are monitored using a nest box camera and pole. Common finds include brushtail and ringtail possums and quite a few glider gaggles – like these!
Please contact us if you or your community group would like to get involved.
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Photo Credit: Mammal Age
- Macak, P. V. (2020). Nest boxes for wildlife in Victoria: an overview of nest box distribution and use. Victorian Naturalist, The, 137(1), 4-14 ↩︎
