To have a symbiotic relationship between man and nature, we must first understand local wildlife. Knowing about some of the common species in your area can help you enjoy the environment, and learn what to do and not to do with these animals. Here’s a guide to some of the most common wildlife species you may come across.
1. Birds
Wildlife species most visible and diverse are birds. Common types are sparrows, robins and blue jays. Robins are small, social birds known for their blue and bluish gray backs, white throats and black heads, distinctive orange breasts and beautiful songs. They are striking birds, blue jays are larger, with vivid blue plumage and loud calls. There’s nothing wrong with birdwatching as a hobby and discovering the things they do and their habitats can be really rewarding.
2. Mammals
Squirrels, raccoons and deer are often seen in suburban and rural areas. Eastern gray squirrels are agile and live in many habitats; they will raid bird feeders for seeds. They are night time scavengers, with dexterous paws and masked faces, and are commonly seen moving through garbage cans at night. White-tailed deer are graceful creatures which may happily wander into a residential area for a mating or because of a lack of food.
3. Reptiles and Amphibians
Turtles, snakes and frogs and salamanders add to local biodiversity. Ponds and lakes are where you find painted turtles, basking on logs or rocks. Many people fear snakes, but most species are harmless; garter snakes are often seen slithering through gardens or grassy areas. Frogs and toads fulfil an important ecological role as predators or prey; their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem.
4. Insects
The group of insects is the most numerous wildlife group and they play important roles in pollination and decomposition. Examples of beneficial insects include bees, butterflies and ladybugs that keep healthy ecosystems. Butterflies give gardens color and honeybees pollinate many crops and flowers. Ladybugs help control aphid populations, and are valuable allies to gardeners.
5. Urban Wildlife
Because of human activities, urban areas have unique wildlife adaptations. City parks are filled with pigeons, adapted well to urban life living on scraps of food. In cities, coyotes have become increasingly common, searching the park’s green spaces for small mammals to hunt. Basic understanding of these adaptations can aid to reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife.
6. Conservation Awareness
Conservation goes hand in hand with understanding local wildlife. Habitat loss, pollution and climate change are threatening many species. We can support wild life organizations or participate in local conservation initiatives to protect these wild animals and their habitats. Small actions like planting native plants or creating bird friendly spaces will make a big difference.
7. Observing Responsibly
If you are observing local wildlife, you need to do it responsibly. For your safety and for the animals’ safety, keep a safe distance to avoid stressing or disrupting the natural behaviors of the animals. Don’t feed wildlife, as it can make them dependent on the food and start shaping their natural instincts.
This demonstrates the importance of sustaining our relationship with wildlife as local citizens, which also furthers our understanding of the world around us as well as coexistence with other creatures. Familiarising yourself with common birds, mammals, reptiles, insects and urban wildlife adaptations will enable you to appreciate the diversity around you, and help you help contribute to conservation efforts. To ensure future generations can enjoy local wildlife beauty like we do now, we should observe responsibly.