Planning for wildlife diversity.

If wildlife is to live in the city, the animals will need the proper form of habitat. Not only will this habitat have to fit the requirements of the animals; it will also have to fit the urban framework of a typical city populated by humans. As natural areas shrink and fragment, our ability to conserve biological diversity and ecological integrity is decreasing.

Meeting the challenge of conserving regional ecological integrity in urban and urbanizing landscapes will depend on effective growth management planning, which includes both ecologically sensitive site design for specific projects and the development of ecological reserve systems

Protecting urban natural areas not only contributes to the conservation of biological diversity, but also provides valuable opportunities for human enjoyment. However, adding the variable of human use to the already complex equation of managing an urban natural area system exacerbates the difficulties inherent in managing fragmented, isolated, and, frequently, disturbed habitat patches.

What is diversity and how can citizens help?

What can be done to preserve wildlife diversity? First, it's important to recognize that wildlife diversity is equal to habitat diversity. It doesn't matter what we do to restore wildlife populations if there is no habitat to support them. Second, we can address the effects of urbanization wherever it occurs. In the neighborhood surrounding our project site we have plenty of empty lots that can be developed to attract wildlife. We can minimize habitat destruction by giving incentives to incoming developers who preserve wildlife habitat. We can also restore native habitats in natural areas, green belts, public parks and backyards. And finally, we can simulate native habitats by carefully choosing plant materials that has some of the same key characteristics as the plants found in nature.

Human cities generally have some common characteristics that are not found in the wild. These characteristics tend to make life hard for animals that try to live in an urban setting. Humans like order, they like lines to be straight and efficient. Edges are harsh and well defined. They like to divide spaces up into areas of equal size and similar shape. Humans like monocultures when choosing plant species for their spaces. If a variety of species is chosen, often the different types of plants are put into orderly planting arrangements. We also like to separate all these elements with wide expanses of concrete for our vehicles.

In the wild spaces are rarely regularly shaped and sized. Plant and animal species are scattered about in no special order outside that which adaptability has selected for them. Edges between environments are random and chaotic. Variety is the rule in nature and not the exception.

In East St. Louis we can create an urban fabric that is semi suited to the needs of wildlife. If land is developed in a manner that leaves an occasional lot of natural species, animals can find cover and shelter. These undeveloped lots would function as patches of habitat in an otherwise inhospitable city environment.

If the abundant rail lines that carve up this city were lined with strips of wooded habitat, wildlife would be able to migrate up and down the railroad right- of-ways. The alleys that dissect each block could be lined with ivy covered fences or low, dense hedges. Both the railroad woodlines and the alley hedges would allow animals to wander over a larger range by functioning as wildlife corridors. A wildlife corridor is a connection between wildlife habitats, wildlife corridors aim to provide a corridor for migration of all species between suitable habitat areas.

By assuring that natural areas are built that occupy land on each side of a city street we can from a sort of bridge across the wide expanses of pavement. An animal will try to stay near shelter as it approaches the street, dash across the pavement, and immediately be in cover again on the opposite side. To a human a street is a small obstacle to negotiate, but to a squirrel it is five seconds completely out in the open with no cover to sprint to if danger springs up. The problem is only exaggerated if the squirrel must also cross two mown lawns on either side of the street. When faced with this obstacle, the squirrel may choose not to cross the street and this will fragment breeding populations into tiny pockets.

Urbanization is not likely to decrease in the foreseeable future. This continuing build up will inevitably result in more hardships for urban wildlife. We can help though. We can encourage citizens to learn about the animals they enjoy. If humans can identify the animals needs and find out their habitat requirements they can increase habitat diversity in ways that will benefit those animals.

Co-Existence with Urban Wildlife

If wildlife is successfully integrated into the city, it will necessary to consider what we must do to limit the conflicts between wildlife and humans. One of those conflicts is home invasion. Given the low maintenance condition of much of the housing in East St. Louis, It may be wise to consider how homes can be prepared to keep the animals on the outside.

Living with Urban Wildlife and Preventing Home Invasion

Throughout urban areas many forms of wildlife exist. Birds and squirrels are the most frequently seen species but there are many more animals seen less often. Urban wildlife also consists of raccoons, skunks, mice, rats, snakes, and even woodchucks (groundhogs). Many of these animals reside in a city's parks and ravines but given the chance they will also live in our homes and backyards. It is quite fascinating to watch birds and animals in our yards. We can learn about their eating habits, their social behavior and much more by just watching and enjoying their presence. However, if these same animals invade our homes, it can cause problems for both them and us.

Damage can be done to our property, and in some cases, the animals may get harmed in these living areas. By taking a few preventive measures we can help to ensure that these animals do not make our homes their homes. A quick inspection of our own houses can point out areas that need to be protected from wildlife. Then some simple repairs can guarantee a peaceful co-existence between people and urban wildlife.

Chimneys

Chimneys can be an ideal place for squirrels and raccoons to make their nest or dens. An easy solution to this problem is to install a chimney cap. These can be bought at a hardware store or a chimney cleaning company, and can be installed by the homeowner. It is important to check that all animals have left the chimney before the cap is installed

Roofs

Another location for birds and other animals to nest is in attics. They gain entry through roofs and eaves that are in need of repair. Even very small holes can be entry points, as squirrels need only a hole two inches in diameter; birds need even less. Repair the holes or block them using galvanized sheet metal. You may wish to trim branches so that they do not hang near the roof, thereby reducing access.

Under Houses and Decks

Skunks are especially fond of making nests under houses and decks. As with chimneys and roofs, the areas under houses and decks should be sealed off only when all the animals have vacated. Do not disturb animals with dependent young. Live traps may be used if necessary; however, care must be taken so that the skunk does not spray. These areas can be sealed off using firmly affixed lattice as an attractive alternative to board or metal.

Garbage

Raccoons, skunks and even some domestic animals will be attracted to garbage in your yard. To protect yourself from these scavengers, it is important to store the garbage in garbage containers with tight lids or lids reinforced with a bungie cord. Even better is the use of a closed garbage box in which the containers can stay between pickups. It is best to put out garbage as close to pickup times as possible. If put out in the morning, nocturnal animals will be avoided.

Garages

An easy entry point for animals to enter your house is through an attached garage. Garage doors that are left open or only partially closed, are an excellent way for raccoons, squirrels and other wildlife to enter. These areas provide a well-protected area for nests or dens and can provide access to other areas of your home. Make sure that all doors and windows in your garage are secure at all times, especially at night.

When to Take Action

The best time of year to make house repairs that prohibit wildlife from entering is in the fall. At this time of year, animals have had their young and they are old enough to leave willingly. In the winter some animals sleep for days, making it difficult to tell if they are present or not. Animals could accidentally get trapped inside the house. In the spring and summer, if an area is sealed shut the mother and babies may get trapped or separated from each other. For these reasons it is wise to wait until fall to wildlife-proof your house.

The existence of wildlife in urban areas enriches our environment, bringing a little bit of nature to the bustle of the city. Abundant food and shelter and the absence of natural predators have allowed many wild animals to successfully adapt to urban life. We can hardly blame them for helping themselves to food that is readily accessible in garbage pails, gardens, composters and sheds.

If there is ample food and a place to live, removing the resident animal will just create a vacant territory for another one to move into. Preventive measures have proven to be less costly and less stressful for both wildlife and the homeowner in the long term.

This Can Be Accomplished

Ultimately, people and wildlife can exist side by side. It is simply up to the humans to see that this co-existence is planned for carefully and managed successfully. To do this requires a mix of planning, public interest and compassion for nature.

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