Wildlife is closer to everyday life than it may seem
Wildlife is not limited to remote forests, deserts or national parks. Birds in neighbourhood trees, bees visiting flowers, bats feeding over waterways, fish in urban rivers and foxes moving through green corridors are all examples of wild animals living near people. Their presence is part of a larger relationship between healthy ecosystems and daily life.
People do not need to handle or feed wild animals to benefit from that relationship. Wildlife contributes to ecological processes that support food production, clean water, resilient landscapes and opportunities to learn about and enjoy nature.
How wildlife supports food and farming
Many wild animals help plants reproduce or help keep food webs functioning. Bees, butterflies, moths, some birds and other animals move pollen between flowers. Pollination supports the reproduction of wild plants and contributes to the production of many crops. The importance of a particular pollinator depends on the plant, the local environment and the availability of other pollinating species.
Wildlife can also influence agricultural pests. Insect-eating birds, bats, predatory insects and other animals consume some organisms that damage crops. Their effect varies with habitat, species and farming practices, so wildlife should be treated as one part of integrated land management rather than as a guaranteed replacement for every pest-control method.
Learn more about pollination in our article on why bees matter for pollination and the environment, and explore the Honey Bee guide on Nethep Wiki.
Wildlife, soils and the recycling of nutrients
Animals move nutrients through ecosystems when they feed, excrete waste, build nests, disturb soil or become food for other organisms. Scavengers help consume animal remains, while insects and other small animals can break down or fragment organic material. Fungi and microorganisms complete much of the decomposition process, returning nutrients to forms that plants and other organisms can use.
These processes are easy to overlook because they often happen out of sight. Our guide to decomposers and ecosystem recycling explains how living organisms help nutrients move through natural systems.
Healthy habitats help protect water and communities
Wildlife depends on functioning habitats, and those habitats can provide benefits to people. Wetlands, forests, floodplains and riverbank vegetation can help store water, slow runoff, trap sediment and support water quality. The exact benefits vary with the ecosystem and its condition, but protecting natural areas can complement built infrastructure and reduce pressure on water systems.
Wetlands also provide feeding, breeding and resting areas for many animals. They connect aquatic and terrestrial food webs and can support fish, amphibians, birds, insects and mammals. Read our guide to freshwater ecosystems and their wildlife to learn more about rivers, lakes and wetlands.
Wildlife in towns and cities
Urban wildlife uses the green and blue spaces that remain within built environments: parks, gardens, street trees, ponds, canals, riverbanks, railway edges and sometimes rooftops or building cavities. Different species respond differently to noise, artificial light, traffic, people and the availability of food and shelter.
Urban green space can provide useful habitat, but a small isolated patch may not meet every need. Connected parks, planted corridors, safer road crossings and healthy waterways can make it easier for some animals to move between feeding, resting and breeding areas. Building design also matters: glass collisions, uncovered drains, open waste and poorly managed outdoor lighting can create avoidable hazards.
Enjoyment, learning and cultural connections
Wildlife watching, nature photography, fishing, outdoor education and time spent in green spaces can connect people with local environments. These activities can support recreation and learning, but they should not come at the expense of the animals being observed. Keep viewing distances appropriate, stay on permitted routes and avoid disturbing nests, dens or breeding sites.
Local knowledge also matters. Communities often have long-standing relationships with particular species and landscapes. Conservation decisions are more effective when they take account of local livelihoods, cultural values, access and the needs of people who live alongside wildlife.
When wildlife and people come into conflict
Wild animals may enter gardens, forage in rubbish, damage crops or cross roads. Some encounters can also involve safety or disease concerns. The safest response is usually to avoid handling the animal, keep children and pets away, remove attractants where this can be done safely, and seek advice from the relevant local wildlife authority. Rules and recommended responses differ by species and location.
Do not feed wild animals to make them approach or remain nearby. Human food can be unsuitable, and repeated feeding may change natural behaviour or bring animals into conflict with people. The National Park Service advises visitors to observe wildlife from a distance and never feed or harass animals.
Everyday actions that can reduce harm
- Plant for local biodiversity: choose suitable native plants and provide a range of flowering and shelter resources where space allows.
- Use pesticides carefully: avoid unnecessary applications and follow product labels and local guidance, especially around flowering plants and water.
- Make buildings safer: consider bird-safe glass treatments, cover openings that trap animals and reduce unnecessary outdoor lighting.
- Manage pets responsibly: prevent pets from chasing wildlife and follow local rules about cats, dogs and sensitive habitats.
- Secure rubbish and food: do not leave pet food, scraps or litter where wild animals can become dependent on them.
- Protect local habitats: support restoration, community science and conservation projects with clear local goals.
- Respect wildlife: watch quietly from a distance and never touch, chase or attempt to rescue an animal unless trained and directed by the appropriate authority.
For practical steps at home, see how to create a wildlife-friendly garden. To understand one of the larger pressures on wild populations, read about habitat loss and conservation.
Frequently asked questions
Does wildlife directly provide food for people?
Wild species are part of many food systems, and some are harvested for food where this is legal and sustainable. Wildlife also supports food production indirectly through pollination, pest relationships, soil processes and healthy aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Are city parks useful for wildlife?
They can be. Parks may provide food, shelter, nesting places and stepping stones between larger habitats. Their value depends on plant diversity, disturbance, water, management and how well they connect to other green spaces.
Should people feed birds or other wild animals?
Do not assume feeding is harmless. Advice differs by species and location, and some places prohibit it. Follow local wildlife guidance, keep food waste secure and avoid making wild animals dependent on people.
What should I do if I find an injured wild animal?
Keep your distance, keep pets and children away, and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or the relevant local authority. Do not attempt to handle or transport the animal unless qualified personnel instruct you to do so.