Not Pests, Just Neighbours: Shared Spaces

Urban wildlife - from long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) and crocodiles in Brunei to possums, flying foxes and cockatoos in Australia - are increasingly present in human settlements due to habitat loss, food availability and adaptation to urban environments. This post explores their behavior, 5W1H context (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How), impacts and practical coexistence strategies, including safe practices for reptiles. It emphasizes shifting mindsets from viewing wildlife as pests to seeing them as co-inhabitants of shared spaces, supported by personal observations and ethical garden practices.

Disclaimer    The content is original, based on general knowledge of urban wildlife, local context and the author’s personal experiences. While topics like urban wildlife adaptation and coexistence exist publicly, this draft does not duplicate any specific article or post. Facts, species names (including crocodiles, snakes and drongos), and behavioral information are drawn from reputable sources. This content is intended for educational and awareness purposes, not as professional wildlife management advice.

🌿🐒 Urban Wildlife: Our Co-Inhabitants, Not Intruders 🐊🌿

Urban wildlife is all around us - in Brunei, Australia and cities worldwide. From long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) and crocodiles in Brunei to possums, flying foxes and cockatoos in Australia, these animals are adapting to human settlements. Yet many still label them as “pests,” forgetting that we are the ones encroaching on their homes. 🏡🌱

What

Urban wildlife refers to animals living in or near human settlements, often adapting to cities, towns and suburban areas.

• Brunei examples: macaques, monitor lizards, civets, drongos and magpies (black crow-like birds), hornbills, storks, snakes, crocodiles
• Australia examples: possums, flying foxes, kangaroos (peri-urban), cockatoos, magpies, foxes, rodents

Who

• Wildlife: species adapting to urban areas
• Humans: residents, local authorities, conservation groups
• Government agencies:
• Brunei: Forestry Department, Department of Environment, Parks & Recreation
• Australia: Local councils, state wildlife departments, RSPCA, Wildlife Rescue groups
• NGOs & community groups: wildlife rescue, environmental education bodies

Where

• Urban areas: parks, gardens, backyards, streets, drainage systems
• Peri-urban/rural interface: edges of cities where natural habitat meets human development
• Wetlands, rivers and estuaries (especially for crocodiles)

When

• Increasingly year-round, but peaks:
• Dry season in Brunei (food scarcity)
• Breeding or fruiting seasons in Australia (e.g. flying foxes in summer)
• Urban sightings often peak early mornings or evenings when human activity is lower

Why

• Habitat loss: Urban expansion reduces natural habitats
• Food availability: Humans unintentionally provide food (garbage, fruit trees, pet food)
• Climate adaptation: Some species thrive in urban microclimates
• Human-wildlife interaction: Curiosity, feeding or disturbance encourages animals to remain near cities

How

• Animals adapt by nesting in trees, roofs, urban green spaces and riverbanks (crocodiles in waterways)
• Foraging in gardens, streets or estuaries
• Adjusting activity patterns to avoid humans
• Humans interact via feeding, relocation, habitat modification or wildlife management programs

Impacts

Positive: 🌱

• Pollination, seed dispersal, pest control
• Educational and recreational opportunities
• Fascinating glimpses into intelligence and social behavior (e.g., macaques grooming, teaching young or playfully stealing fruit)

Negative: ⚠️

• Health risks: zoonotic diseases
• Property damage: chewing wires, garden destruction, traffic collisions
• Human-wildlife conflict: aggression, road accidents, attacks (especially crocodiles or snakes in peri-urban areas)
• Biodiversity imbalance: introduction of non-native species, competition with native wildlife

Solutions & Care

• Urban planning: green corridors, wildlife-friendly landscaping, secure waste management
• Legislation & regulation: Brunei Forestry Act, Australian Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act
• Community education: discourage feeding, raise awareness of safe coexistence
• Wildlife management: rescue, relocation, sterilization programs
• Research: monitor populations, disease surveillance, adaptive strategies
• Preserve resilient plants and microhabitats
• Use humane deterrents to keep animals from dangerous areas (especially near water for crocodiles or dense vegetation for snakes)
• Report injured or endangered wildlife to authorities or NGOs
• Seasonal tip: leave young shoots, creepers or native fruiting plants for foraging wildlife

Coexisting with Reptiles Safely 🐊🦎

• Respect boundaries - Treat waterways, drainage areas and garden edges as reptile zones.
• Secure your home environment - Screen doors and windows; remove dense vegetation near the house; cover hiding spots.
• Prevent unintended encounters - Use fencing around ponds, water features or drainage systems.
• Educate household members - Teach everyone to recognize signs of reptiles and keep safe distance.
• Do not harm - Relocate only through authorities or licensed wildlife rescue groups if necessary.
• Observe from a distance –-Most reptiles are shy and will move away if undisturbed.

This approach keeps humans safe while protecting reptiles from harm.

Wildlife-Friendly Garden Etiquette 🐾

1. Observe from a distance (indoors or shaded areas)
2. Respect space, especially mothers with babies
3. Move slowly and quietly; avoid sudden movements
4. Preserve natural food sources without encouraging dependency
5. Be patient; let wildlife finish feeding or resting before entering the garden
6. Keep safe distance from potentially dangerous species like crocodiles and snakes

Shifting Mindsets 🧠💚

Seeing urban wildlife as co-inhabitants rather than nuisances is key. This means:

• Respecting boundaries: Animals are displaced, not causing trouble
• Shared responsibility: Balance human convenience with ecological needs
• Education over eradication: Learn to live alongside wildlife safely
• Long-term thinking: Urban planning and policies that prioritize coexistence

Changing mindsets reduces conflict, protects biodiversity and benefits humans too - healthier ecosystems, fewer disease risks and aesthetic or recreational enjoyment.

A Personal Encounter 💡

In my garden, grey monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) with their golden babies forage in young shoots and wild creepers. I had planned to clear the weeds, but seeing them rely on these plants for food and cover, I decided not to. Observing them, they sometimes cluck when I linger too long - a reminder that we are the visitors, not them.

Sometimes the best garden decision is leaving a few weeds for the golden babies. 🌿🐾

Fun fact: these macaques are highly intelligent - mothers teach their young to forage and the youngsters are playful little mischief-makers!

Parties Involved

• Government agencies: Brunei Forestry Department, Australian state wildlife agencies
• Local councils: city management, waste disposal, urban planning
• NGOs / community groups: wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, awareness programs
• Residents & businesses: backyard gardeners, schools, pet owners
• Researchers: universities, ecologists, conservation biologists

💬 Call-to-Action:

Let’s share our gardens responsibly, preserve green spaces and treat urban wildlife - including crocodiles, snakes and drongos - as co-inhabitants - for healthier ecosystems, safer humans and thriving wildlife. 🌱✨

💡 Interactive Thought:

Have you spotted urban wildlife in your garden? Share your story or emoji reaction! 🐒🦜🦘🐊🦎