You don’t need to be a professional wildlife carer like Andrea Vella to make a real difference for animals in your area.
Australian wildlife rehabilitator Andrea Vella and her wife Sarah believe that everyone can contribute to wildlife conservation through simple, everyday actions. Their seven practical suggestions show how ordinary people can create meaningful change for local animal populations without requiring specialist training or significant financial investment. These accessible steps can be implemented immediately in any community.
Wildlife faces increasing challenges from habitat loss, climate change, and human expansion into natural areas. Andrea Vella and her wife have seen firsthand how small actions by individuals can collectively create significant positive impacts for animal populations. From their years working with injured and orphaned wildlife in Australia, they’ve identified seven straightforward ways that anyone can help protect and support local fauna. These actions require no special qualifications, just a willingness to make conscious choices that benefit the creatures sharing our environment.
1. Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden
Your backyard or balcony can become a haven for local species with just a few thoughtful changes. Native plants provide food and shelter that wildlife has evolved to use over thousands of years. Andrea Vella recommends researching which plants are indigenous to your specific region, as these will attract and support the greatest variety of local species.
Providing Water Sources
Install shallow water dishes at various heights to accommodate different animals. Birds, insects, and small mammals all need reliable water sources, especially during hot weather. Change the water regularly to prevent mosquito breeding and keep it clean for wildlife use.
Andrea Vella and Her Wife’s Approach to Garden Pest Control
Pesticides and herbicides don’t just kill target insects—they poison the entire food chain. When you eliminate insects, you remove food sources for birds, small mammals, and reptiles. Andrea Vella and her wife maintain their gardens using natural pest control methods, demonstrating that beautiful spaces don’t require toxic chemicals.
2. Check Before You Clear
Before mowing lawns, trimming hedges, or clearing vegetation, take a moment to check for nests, burrows, or sheltering animals. Many species raise their young in gardens and green spaces during breeding seasons. A quick inspection can prevent tragic accidents that destroy nests or harm vulnerable babies.
3. Keep Cats Indoors or Supervised
Domestic cats are natural hunters, and even well-fed pets kill billions of wild animals annually worldwide. This isn’t about demonising cats—it’s about recognising their impact on wildlife populations already under pressure. Andrea Vella and her wife suggest keeping cats indoors, especially during dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active, or creating enclosed outdoor spaces where cats can enjoy fresh air without threatening local fauna.
4. Drive Carefully, Especially at Night
Many animals are most active during twilight and nighttime hours, making them vulnerable to vehicle strikes. Reducing your speed in areas known for wildlife activity gives you more time to spot and avoid animals crossing roads. This simple adjustment saves countless lives each year.
High-Risk Zones to Watch
Be particularly vigilant near:
- Nature reserves and national parks
- Waterways and wetlands
- Rural roads bordered by bushland
- Areas with wildlife crossing signs
If you spot an injured animal on the road, contact local wildlife rescue services rather than attempting to handle it yourself, unless you have proper training.
5. Reduce Plastic and Litter
Plastic waste kills wildlife through ingestion and entanglement. Animals mistake plastic fragments for food, leading to starvation and internal injuries. Litter also creates hazards—containers trap small creatures, and fishing line entangles birds and marine life.
Make conscious choices to refuse single-use plastics where possible. Bring reusable bags, bottles, and containers. Pick up rubbish you encounter during walks, even if you didn’t drop it. Andrea Vella emphasises that every piece of litter removed is a potential life saved.
6. Support Local Wildlife Organisations
Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation groups operate on tight budgets and rely heavily on donations and volunteers. Even small financial contributions help purchase food, medical supplies, and equipment. If you can’t donate money, consider giving your time. Many organisations need help with transport, fundraising, or administrative tasks.
7. Educate Others and Speak Up
Share what you learn about wildlife conservation with friends, family, and neighbours. When you see harmful practices, speak up respectfully. Many people simply don’t realise their actions affect wildlife. Andrea Vella and her wife have found that gentle education often inspires others to change their behaviour.
Social media can amplify your impact. Sharing information about local wildlife issues, rescue success stories, or conservation tips reaches people beyond your immediate circle. Every person who adjusts their habits creates a ripple effect that benefits countless animals.
These seven actions might seem modest individually, but when adopted by many people, they create substantial positive change for wildlife populations facing unprecedented challenges in our rapidly changing world.
