From past biology classes you know that all animals require the right habitat that provides all that they need to survive. Habitat needs can be broken down into three basic components: reliable water, food, and cover. While water and food needs are easy to understand, cover is more dynamic, and its use varies from day to day and season to season.

In a nutshell, wildlife cover is a space where an animal can be kept safe from predators. Vegetation is an obvious example of cover, but so are rocks and brush piles. All wildlife species need a variety of cover types to survive. The following is a rundown of some that should be provided for optimal wildlife populations.

Nest Cover: Birds, small mammals, and insects use trees and shrubs for nesting. This includes the leafy cover and cavities in trunks or limbs.

Brood Cover: Once born, cover to raise and nurture young to maturity takes on various forms. Some raptors need trees with an open canopy, while some songbirds need closed canopies or heavy brush.

Roosting Cover: Every layer of vegetation, from tall overstory trees to grass and shrubs on the forest floor, is a favored cover while sleeping for wildlife of some sort.

Escape Cover: Animals often need a quick getaway place, and the type needed varies by species.

Loafing Cover: These are quiet areas where animals are able to spend time in relative safety from predator or human disturbance.

Thermal Cover: This is most important in cold climates. Protection from temperature variation, wind, and storms are essential in harsh weather.

When it comes to habitat development, if you build it they will come. So, whether you’re attracting a single species or several types, a little research will assure you get satisfactory results. Several sources for more information are from local state wildlife and forestry agencies, and County Extension offices.