When we imagine wild animals, we tend to (0) PICTURE remote forests or open savannahs, yet a surprising amount of wildlife has made itself home in the middle of our cities. Foxes patrol suburban gardens at night, falcons nest on the ledges of office blocks, and, in some capitals, wild boar have been known to rubbish bins in broad daylight.
Far from being a sign that nature is in trouble, this trend partly the remarkable adaptability of certain species. Urban environments offer food in abundance, few natural predators and, in some cases, slightly warmer temperatures, all of which can into significant advantages.
Of course, cohabitation is not always straightforward. Residents may complain about damage to their property, and health authorities occasionally have to with problems such as rats or pigeons. Conservationists argue, however, that well-designed cities can a crucial function in the protection of biodiversity. Green corridors, ponds and native plants all to creating habitats where both people and animals can thrive.
Ultimately, learning to wild neighbours may prove essential if we are to maintain any meaningful connection with the natural world.