Tree Hollow

forest · wildlife habitat · nature

Natural homes for animals. Tree hollows form naturally in old trees and provide shelter for birds, bats, insects, and other small animals that need a safe place to live and raise their young.

How they form. Hollows develop when branches break off, lightning strikes, or rot and decay gradually create openings in the trunk. Over time, the tree keeps growing around these cavities.

Picky residents. Different animals prefer different hollows based on size and location. A tiny bat might choose a small crack, while a kookaburra needs a bigger hole higher up in the tree.

Fungi find homes too. Tree hollows aren't just for animals, fungi and mosses grow inside them and help break down the wood, keeping the forest ecosystem balanced.

Mark of an old forest. Tree hollows are especially common in ancient woodlands because they need many years of growth to develop, making them a sign of a healthy, mature forest.