A recent study has found that 36 native species in Australia are using homes as habitats, with some animals nesting, foraging, or sleeping in buildings. These include microbats sleeping in curtains and Pacific black ducks nesting on balconies. Wildlife Victoria reported that around 2,400 native animals were seen in, on, or under buildings over the past decade, showing a growing trend of wildlife adapting to urban environments. The study highlights that building cavities are the most popular habitat for wildlife, with 40% of the studied species living between walls. About 19% of animals were found in shelters like garages, 16% on external surfaces such as eaves, balconies, and rooftops, 10% in interior rooms like bedrooms and kitchens, 9% in spaces under houses, and 6% in utility services like heaters and air conditioners. This shows that urban structures can provide a variety of microhabitats for different species. As natural habitats are lost in urban areas, buildings are becoming increasingly important for wildlife conservation. Many native species rely on natural features like tree hollows, which are declining due to deforestation and land development. Ecologists are working on solutions such as nest boxes and carved hollows to help fill this gap. However, using buildings as habitats is risky, as a simple renovation or repair can destroy the habitat overnight. Australia plans to build 1.2 million homes over the next five years, which presents an opportunity to incorporate wildlife-friendly designs. While energy efficiency standards require homes to be sealed to reduce heat loss, it's possible to integrate habitat features into house designs. For example, in Scotland, new buildings are required to include "swift bricks," a type of nest box for common swifts. Similarly, in Germany, buildings often include bat boxes and hedgehog nest boxes to support urban wildlife. Urban designers and planners are increasingly considering wildlife when designing cities, using biodiversity-sensitive approaches to reduce threats to plants and animals. Cities like Canberra and Adelaide have adopted these strategies in their policies. However, some design features, such as bird spikes, netting, and reflective glass, can harm or kill animals. Additionally, certain building designs may favor a few urban-adapted species, potentially displacing others that are less able to adjust to city life.