Local businesses give possums a place to crash
NEST BOX INITIATIVE
BUSINESS FEATURE
Local possums and gliders are finding safe, cosy homes thanks to a new nest box program that unites the community, businesses, and conservation efforts.
The Tropical Animal Rehabilitation Centre (TARC), a not-for-profit at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas caring for sick and injured native animals, has launched a program providing safe spaces for wildlife to breed.
The project recently received a generous boost from a visiting corporate group, who built more than 70 nest boxes for possums and gliders.
These have been distributed to wildlife carers, rescue centres, and are now reaching local community members eager to make a difference.
Local businesses are joining the effort as well, with Thala Beach Resort and Nautilus Restaurant installing nest boxes on their properties to support resident colonies that frequent the area.
The need is urgent.
Sybella Salter, Assistant General Manager at Wildlife Habitat, explains that possums and gliders face constant threats from domestic pets, car strikes, habitat loss, secondary poisoning, and displacement caused by construction or extreme weather events.
“Nest boxes, when carefully placed in safe, shaded areas suited to the species, can help offset some of these pressures on our native wildlife, providing homes and breeding sites to support local populations,” she said.
“This initiative is a wonderful example of businesses actively engaging in conservation while connecting the community with the incredible wildlife that lives alongside us.
“Our wildlife in Far North Queensland is incredibly special. Australian native wildlife is unique and unlike anywhere else in the world, so it is paramount that we take every opportunity to encourage locals and visitors to care for it.”
And every small effort counts.
“Most of the wildlife that come to TARC have been impacted by humans; through car strikes, pet predation, or displacement from their habitat due to construction.
By taking simple actions, like securing pets at night or installing a nest box, we can make a real difference,” she added.
The nest box program is part of TARC’s broader conservation and rehabilitation work, which encourages both businesses and individuals to support native wildlife.
Through partnerships like these, TARC hopes to ensure that native wildlife not only survives, but thrives, while promoting sustainable, long-term protection for Far North Queensland’s unique species.
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