African Wildlife and Environment Issue 67

FAUNA, FLORA & WILDLIFE

Lizards, spiders, many arthropods and insects are just some of the creatures that will benefit from rocks in the garden. On steep banks and on top of very hard soil, rocks grouped together can create pockets for holding life-sustaining soil, and plants are able to take root and establish themselves in this soil, where they otherwise could not. This is yet another way in which rocks and stone enhance habitat. Although pebbles and gravel do not create the same number of refuges for garden creatures, they do shelter minute and even microscopic creatures that are beneficial to the health of the garden. They also create a permeable cover for soil. As they help to retain moisture in the soil, they indirectly enhance the soil habitat for creatures that rely on moist soil to survive.

The key to a successful wildlife garden is to enable as many interactions between organisms and their environment as possible. By enhancing habitat for tiny creatures such as insects, spiders, arthropods and reptiles, we create more feeding opportunities for their predators, including birds and small mammals. The more life the garden can sustain, the less the gardener needs to interfere to maintain a healthy balance in it. Rocks, stones, pebbles and gravel Enhancing habitat Rocks, stones, pebbles and gravel all create a micro climate in the garden. The soil beneath is protected from extreme heat and cold, they retain moisture in the soil below them, and larger rocks and stone will absorb and retain heat. They provide refuge, hunting places, warmth and shelter from the elements for many small creatures. Rocks and stones placed close together will create crevices in which creatures can hide from predators or when lying in wait for prey.

A skink using a rock crevice

27 | African Wildlife & Environment | 67 (2017)