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📰 The quick summary: Scientists are developing techniques to give younger trees the features of older ones to provide critical habitat for wildlife without waiting centuries for hollows and branches to form naturally.
📈 One key stat: More than 300 species of Australian mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians rely on habitat structures in older trees, with some hollows taking over 200 years to form naturally.
💬 One key quote: “Birds and animals can’t wait centuries for new hollows to form. In response, land managers are experimenting with veteranisation, where younger trees are artificially given the features of older trees.”

1️⃣ The big picture: Wildlife depends heavily on large old trees that provide essential habitat features like hollows, fissures, and horizontal branches. Many species require these structures, with some needing hollows that take 100-200 years to form naturally. Unfortunately, these ancient trees are disappearing worldwide due to farming, logging, and urbanization. To address this habitat crisis, researchers are exploring a process called ‘veteranisation‘ – artificially aging younger trees by creating features that mimic those found in older trees. This emerging practice includes various techniques from creating artificial hollows to supporting branches, potentially providing wildlife with crucial habitat without waiting centuries.

2️⃣ Why is this good news: Veteranisation offers a practical solution for wildlife habitat loss in areas where old trees are scarce. Early trials show promising results, with feathertail gliders, sugar gliders, brown antechinuses, bats, and birds already using artificially created features. The techniques can benefit a wide range of species, including hollow-nesting birds, perching animals, and wood-eating organisms. Multiple approaches exist beyond just damaging trees, such as installing custom artificial hollows or adding supportive structures that don’t compromise the tree’s health. These methods provide flexibility for land managers to choose techniques appropriate for their specific ecological contexts.

3️⃣ What’s next: Researchers need to conduct more trials to determine which veteranisation techniques work best in different environments, particularly considering Australia’s unique challenges like bushfires and eucalypt chemistry. Land managers should prioritize protecting remaining large old trees while experimenting with veteranisation in areas with habitat shortages. All findings should be openly shared to develop better practices for creating wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Read the full story here: The Conversation – Making younger trees age faster could create more homes for wildlife – and it can be done without chainsaws