Use of nest boxes in Victoria

Nest boxes are widely used in Victoria by community groups, researchers, and government and non-government organisations to provide habitat for native hollow-dependent fauna. This represents a considerable investment of resources, including an enormous volunteer effort. Despite this investment and activity, the extent of nest box use is not well documented, and the outcomes for fauna are unclear. ARI asked for information from those involved in nest box programs to understand more about the number and distribution of nest boxes in Victoria, what animals were using them, and whether monitoring data was being collected.

We received details for nearly 10,000 nest boxes across the state:

• 81 respondents provided information on 98 programs that support 9986 nest boxes
• Programs installed from 1 to 1100 nest boxes
• 43 community/interest groups had installed 72% of the nest boxes
• Reasons nest boxes were installed included: to support wildlife, particularly threatened species; as a response to a lack of hollows; to contribute to habitat connectivity; to engage the community with nature

The 98 programs found 33 native mammals and bird species, including several threatened species:

• The most common native animals found were Sugar Gliders, brushtail possums, Brush-tailed Phascogale, Common Ringtail Possum, Agile/Yellow-footed antechinus, Crimson/Eastern Rosella, microbats and Australian Owlet-nightjar
• 78% of programs recorded at least one animal they were targeting
• 34% of programs recorded European Honey Bees
• 65% of nest boxes were monitored at least once per year
• 64% of programs had stored monitoring data; a few had completed statistical analysis and published results