Animals in the city

Cicada

Cicadoidea Cicadas spend most of their lives underground, with life cycles lasting years to decades. Urban development disrupts soil and vegetation, destroying habitat critical for cicada growth and prevents emergence from underground. This has led to declines in local cicada populations.

Rock Dove or Common Pigeon

Columba livia This feral species nests on rooftops, ledges and bridges which are similar to natural nesting habitats of rocky cliffs and caves. These elevated sites offer safety from predators and easy access to food sources below. Pigeons roost in large colonies which quickly deface buildings with their droppings.

Grey-headed Flying-fox

Pteropus poliocephalus Flowering trees and fruiting plants provide year-round food for flying-foxes, which is one of the reasons why large colonies gather in cities. Artificial glow from lights can disrupt their natural rhythms and increase stress or disorientation.

German Cockroach American Cockroach

Blattella germanicaPeriplaneta americana Of the 400 species of cockroach in Australia, the pests in our cities are just 10 introduced species. They can survive in the craziest of spaces, from drains to appliance motors and even inside electrical outlets. They can eat almost anything, including glue and soap.

Bogong moth

Agrotis infusa The endless city glow can disrupt sleep, hunting and migration. Artificial light disorients nocturnal moths, drawing them from habitats and vital tasks like pollination. Many are trapped when circling lights, becoming exhausted or easy prey. Too much light means too much risk.

Brown Rat

Rattus norvegicus Brown Rats are nocturnal and nimble. They can squeeze through cracks much smaller than their body. They dig extensive burrows, even in weakened concrete if the opportunity presents itself. Their sharp memory and rapid breeding fuels their success.

Common Brushtail Possum

Trichosurus vulpecula How did the Brushtail Possum cross the road? Brushtail Possums are excellent climbers and easily scramble up fences, over rooftops and even cross roads via powerlines. They’re enterprising marsupials and are increasingly making themselves at home in cities as the hollow-bearing trees in which they nest disappear from the bush due to land clearing.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Cacatua galerita These are highly intelligent and social birds. They have learned to open garbage bin lids in search of food by watching and copying each other. Their loud screeches can be heard over long distances, making it easy for them to communicate in noisy areas.

Australian White Ibis

Threskiornis molucca This ibis originally lived in wetlands, grasslands and floodplains. As urban environments increased and their natural habitats decreased, they traded swamps for streets. Using their long bills to forage in rubbish bins, they are affectionately known as the ‘Bin Chicken’ across Australia.