10 Simple Ways Citizens Can Support Urban Wildlife in Their City

Urban spaces like Bengaluru are home to a surprising diversity of wildlife—from squirrels and snakes to kites and butterflies. As our cities expand and concrete replaces green, these wild residents face increasing challenges. But the good news? Every citizen can play a part in supporting urban wildlife, no matter where they live.

Here’s a list of simple, impactful actions you can take to help your city’s local wildlife thrive:

1. Grow Native Plants
   Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowering plants in your garden or apartment terrace. Native flora supports local ecosystems by offering food and shelter to birds, butterflies, bees, and small mammals.
   
   

2. Say No to Chemical Pesticides
   Use natural alternatives for pest control. Pesticides and herbicides poison not just pests but also harm birds, pollinators, amphibians, bees, humans, and even pets.
   
   

3. Provide Water
   Keep shallow bowls of clean water outside your home, on windowsills, balconies, or gardens. These become lifesavers, especially during summer for birds, squirrels, bees, and stray animals.

   

4. Support Wildlife-Friendly Architecture
   Encourage your housing society or builders to retain old trees, leave patches of green, and avoid unnecessary fencing that blocks the movement of small animals like civets or mongooses.
   
   

5. Don’t Feed Wildlife Recklessly
   Feeding monkeys, wild birds, or snakes in an unregulated manner can lead to dependency, aggression, or even dangerous encounters. Instead, focus on restoring their natural habitats.
   
   

6. Drive Responsibly
   Many wild animals, especially snakes and smaller mammals, are often road casualties. Drive slowly near green zones and remain alert for any animal crossing signs.
   
   

7. Dispose Waste Responsibly
   Improper garbage disposal attracts scavengers and puts them at risk of injury, ingestion of plastic, or even conflict with humans. Segregate waste and keep areas clean.
   
   

8. Be an Ethical Pet Parent
   Keep pets indoors at night, especially cats that tend to hunt birds and reptiles. Never abandon exotic pets—they’re ill-equipped to survive in the wild and can harm local ecosystems.
   
   

9. Rescue Right
   If you find an injured or trapped animal, contact a registered wildlife rescue organization (like PfA Wildlife Hospital in Bangalore). Do not attempt to handle wild animals without proper knowledge and training.
   
   

10. Be a Voice
    Speak up for green spaces. Join local groups advocating for lakes, parks, and tree conservation. The more green spaces we preserve, the better our chances of coexisting with urban wildlife.
    
    

---

Remember:
Urban wildlife isn’t just about occasional monkey sightings or birds at the feeder. These creatures play essential roles in our ecosystems—pollinating plants, dispersing seeds, and keeping pest populations in check.
Even small changes in our daily routines can have a huge impact on the creatures we share our city with.

Above all, let’s remember to be kind and compassionate to the voiceless, respecting their right to live, thrive, and share our urban spaces.
Let’s all do our bit to make our cities not just habitable for humans, but for all species who call it home.