Allirah Hill

Hollow Homes: Sugar Cane Mulch Habitats for Endangered Australian Possums and Gliders, 2023

Sugar Cane on wood, eucalyptus branches

Growing up around animals in a regional area, it is easily noticeable how many animals are injured or die, from incidents such as car accidents, bushfires and flooding. Land clearing, rapid urbanisation, intensification of agriculture, deforestation, and natural disasters associated with climate change are disturbing the natural habitats of local species. The intensification of land use has exacerbated the endangering of local species and placing them at risk of extinction. The threat of extinction is in part the result of the reduction of viable habitats, such as tree hollow habitats for arboreal species, including possums and gliders. Based on my studies in studio practice, experience and graphic design I experimented with the creation of temporary habitats for possums and gliders. The Ready4Rural Hollow Homes aim is to mitigate the loss of habitats by providing a short-term, environmentally sustainable shelter for possums and gliders made with sugar cane mulch material.