A rising number of native Australian animals are increasingly entering human homes, a trend attributed to climate change and habitat loss, according to a recent study by researchers at the University of Melbourne. This shift has highlighted concerns about the impact of urban development on wildlife and the need for more biodiversity-friendly building designs.

The phenomenon was exemplified by an incident in Inverell, a town in Australia, where a koala was found unexpectedly inside a resident’s home. After being startled by unusual growling and scratching noises at her door, the woman discovered the marsupial had entered the house and made its way to her bed before being rescued by wildlife volunteers. Such encounters underscore the challenges wildlife face as natural habitats shrink.

The study, conducted by PhD candidate Bethany Kiss, examined wildlife rescue records and found that many animals seeking shelter inside buildings are cavity dwellers. Species such as microbats, possums, and birds including kookaburras rely on tree hollows and similar spaces for nesting and refuge. Kiss emphasized that these cavities take decades, sometimes centuries, to develop naturally and that deforestation and urban expansion have drastically reduced their availability.

“This loss of natural hollows forces wildlife to find alternative shelters, often leading them into human structures,” Kiss explained. She also criticized current urban planning practices, which she said often neglect wildlife needs. “In my neighborhood, for example, there is minimal greenery—just one small tree with a patch of earth—and not enough consideration is given to preserving biodiversity,” she added.

Wildlife rescue organizations have observed similar patterns. John Grant, affiliated with Wires, a Sydney-based wildlife rescue service, noted growing numbers of kookaburras nesting in unconventional places like extractor fans in the city’s eastern suburbs. In nearby Blue Mountains, residents have reported possums taking refuge in homes, sometimes hiding in bookcases or other furniture.

Kiss highlighted that climate change exacerbates habitat pressures by altering environments and making traditional shelters less viable. She advocated for incorporating wildlife-friendly features into new construction, such as artificial nesting sites. Drawing on examples from overseas, she pointed to Scotland’s regulation requiring “swift bricks,” which are man-made cavities designed for birds, as a potential model for Australia to follow.

The study aims to raise awareness among architects, builders, and policymakers about the coexistence of urban development and native wildlife. Kiss emphasized that since animals are already using buildings, thoughtful design could reduce conflicts between humans and animals while offering safer habitats for wildlife within urban areas.