Game Animals
Non-game Animals
Habitat
Backyard Habitat
- Must include food, water, and cover
- Diverse vegetation is best to attract a variety of wildlife
- Avoid using pesticides and herbicides
- Can attract birds, amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, and small mammals
Habitat Description: Backyard Forests
Natural habitats for wildlife are rapidly decreasing due to urbanization and agricultural pressures. Residential areas, such as backyards, can play an important role in conserving wildlife. Homeowners can enhance the natural features in their yards and neighborhoods to create thriving wildlife habitats.
To attract wildlife, homeowners must provide food, water and cover. Natural vegetation such as native trees, shrubs, grasses and flowering plants that provide seeds, nuts, nectar and fruit serve as food sources. Water can be provided in a birdbath, dripper or small pond. Wildlife requires nesting and shelter areas to survive. A diversity of native trees, vines, shrubs and herbaceous plants, grasses and ground covers all make ideal shelter areas. Providing these essentials will attract wildlife such as birds, butterflies, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Inclement weather and predators such as domestic cats, coyotes, fox, hawks and owls can threaten backyard wildlife. Common yard chemicals can also be dangerous to wildlife. Homeowners can use alternatives to heavy chemicals such as mulch, composted leaves and organic matter to provide nutrients to plants and also maintain wildlife.
Butterfly Plants and Mississippi Butterflies (PDF)
Mississippi State University Extension Service
Butterfly gardens must have two types of plants: host plans for larvae and nectar plants for adults. This paper presents a list of the common butterflies of Mississippi, host plants, and nectar plants to put in your garden.
Putting a Little Wildlife in Your Backyard This Spring (PDF)
Purdue University Forestry and Natural Resources
Spring is a time when we begin to plan what we will be planting in our yards and gardens. This year, plan ahead and provide the basic needs for backyard wildlife. The types of plants, shrubs, and trees you select and where you plant them will determine which species you will attract. This publication discusses the plants that provide food, cover, attract insects, as well as the need to provide a water source.
Habitat at Home (PDF)
Virginia Habitat Partners
When planning backyard wildlife habitat, you need to consider the "recipe" for habitat, which is different for each wildlife species. By increasing the diversity of plants and structure, you can attract a variety of wildlife. Your gardening style may need to be adapted for wildlife to ensure your provide adequate year-round food, cover, and water. This guide take you through the decision-making process, provides suggestions, and discusses plants to use.