A study published in the journal People and Nature on 2026-08-25, led by researchers including Eleanor Ratcliffe of the University of Surrey, found that traffic noise reduces the psychological restorative benefits of birdsong. ^[1] The study found that even traffic noise perceived at 43 decibels, roughly equivalent to a refrigerator's hum or a quiet office, diminished the restorative benefits of birdsong. ^[2] In a laboratory experiment with 62 university students, the researchers measured heart rate variability, which is associated with stress, and found that when traffic noise was mixed with birdsong, heart rate variability was lower, indicating higher stress. ^[3] A new study analyzed these reports and uncovered 36 native species that nest, forage, or sleep in Australian homes, ranging from microbats to Pacific black ducks. ^[4] Australia has a national target to build 1.2 million homes over the next five years. ^[5] Building cavities are the most popular residence option, with 40% of studied species taking up residence between walls. ^[6] Data from Wildlife Victoria indicates that people reported approximately 2,400 native animals inhabiting, residing on, or under buildings in Australia over the past decade. ^[7]