Tree Hollows: Vital to Survival

In the bush, in a quiet suburban park, even in a productive paddock—you’ll find some of Australia’s most important homes. But they’re not made of bricks and mortar. They’re hollows.

Tree hollows and fallen logs are vital habitats and water sources for many of our native animals. Birds, possums, gliders, frogs, reptiles and even insects rely on these natural shelters to survive. But these homes are disappearing—fast.

In NSW alone, at least 174 species depend on tree hollows for nesting, roosting and protection. Of these, 40 are threatened with extinction. Yet as trees are cleared and old, hollow-bearing giants are lost, so too is the chance for these species to thrive.

Why Do Hollows Matter?

• Large hollows take hundreds of years to form.
• They provide safe places to raise young, find shelter and escape predators.
• Dead trees and fallen logs are not lifeless—they’re teeming with life.
• During dry periods, hollows and crevices in dead trees can collect and store rainwater, providing essential drinking water for birds, koalas, and other thirsty wildlife.

Once removed, they’re not quickly replaced. But we can act now to protect what remains and support the regeneration of native habitats.

What Can You Do?

• Retain and protect trees with hollows—even if they look dead. They’re full of life.
• Allow native vegetation to regenerate—and leave fallen logs and branches where they fall.
• Fence off—remnant bushland, paddock trees, and waterways to reduce disturbance.
• Plant native species—that develop hollows and consider nest boxes where natural hollows are scarce.
• Rethink your firewood—only buy from sustainable, certified sources and never collect from national parks or reserves.
• Educate your neighbours and community—tree hollows are homes.

Let’s work together to keep nature’s homes standing—for the gliders, the owls, the microbats, and all the creatures that depend on them.

Learn more about the campaign and how to help: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/hollows-homes