ANIMAL rescue organisation WIRES is reminding the community to let nature feed itself, amid concerns feeding wildlife can cause harm.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Zora Brown, of the mid-South Coast WIRES branch, said the nature coast abounded with native wildlife, but human food had little nutritional value for most animals.
She said the digestive system of birds such as lorikeets were designed for a predominantly liquid intake.
“Bread, seed mixes and fruit quickly fill the bird and slow the digestion process, leading to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, predisposing the birds to disease through bacterial and yeast infections,” Ms Brown said.
“Leaving food out for birds can also cause the spread of beak and feather diseases, through communal sharing of food trays.”
Similarly, Ms Brown said, feeding bread, soft foods and leftovers to kangaroos and wallabies could cause a debilitating gum disease, “lumpy jaw”.
“Infection of the gum may lead to slow and painful death,” she said.
“Feeding possums fruit may seem harmless, but ring-tail possums cannot easily digest fruit and, by fermenting in their gut, this will usually result in death.
“If possible, keep your compost heap enclosed to prevent possums from scavenging and using this as their only source of food.”
Instead, Ms Brown said, residents could enjoy native animals by providing food sources and vegetation through planting native (non-hybrid) plants, of varying heights, around water sources.
She also advised leaving dead trees and hollowed limbs of live trees as nesting sites.
“By planting natives, you can provide a native diet right at your back door,” Ms Brown said.
“Human food is a poor substitute, with little nutritional value and will disrupt their natural intake.
“By providing native animals with natural food sources and protection, we can enjoy nature without causing harm.”
Visit www.wires.org.au for more information.