For a Property Full of Wildlife, Plan Accordingly

First posted on 07-20-2010

By William Hehemann for the U of A Division of Agriculture

Landowners who want to foster an environment attractive to wildlife can take advantage of a few simple tips.

“If your goal is to help wildlife in your yard and see more birds, remember to save pests and limit pesticides,” said Becky McPeake, professor and extension wildlife specialist with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

“You have to remember that in the food chain, insects are the primary food source for birds, lizards, and snakes,” McPeake said. “Insects are a high-energy and protein-rich food source … birds should not be feeding their young food that’s poisoned.”

If pesticide use is imperative, homeowners should closely follow label directions.

Pesticides should be applied only where needed and in limited applications.

Those who plan on welcoming birds need to keep predators in mind.

“If you have nest boxes on your property, don’t attract too much attention to the nest,” she said. “Predators such as raccoons and snakes will check out an area with increased activity.”

Without proper cover, wildlife species will be discouraged from living on your property. “With careful planning, the proper design and placement of cover habitat can improve wildlife populations on your land,” McPeake said.

“Design brush piles with the animal you’re looking for in mind. Piles should have small entrances that enable only the rabbit or quail to get in. You want to make sure to keep larger predators out,” McPeake said.

Ideal brush piles are 12 to 15 feet in diameter and about 5 feet high. Crisscross logs to form a base and then add wood with increasingly smaller diameters. Top layers off with branches and twigs until the interior can not be seen.

Avoid placing a brush pile in the middle of a large open area with no nearby thickets, travel lanes or escape cover. Brush piles designed with travel lanes, an open center and with other cover in close proximity will attract more wildlife.

“If timber isn’t your top priority and you’re concerned with managing for wildlife habitat, leave snags on your property,” she said.

“Snags” are the dead trees that have been affected by floods, ice, insects or disease. If these trees are not near a house, or pose a safety concern, they provide perfect ecosystems for forest-dwelling creatures.

“Many wildlife species use den trees, standing dead trees and downed trees for roosting, nesting, resting and for food reservoirs from insects infesting the dead wood,” McPeake said. “As a rule of thumb, retain three to five snags per acre, although more is even better.”

For more information on managing property for wildlife, check out: ”12 Wildlife Habitat Tips for Small Acreages” (PDF file).

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