A drought 18 years ago could explain why native wildlife is moving into Hobart's residential suburbs, researchers from the University of Tasmania say.
Earlier this year, UTAS launched a citizen science project asking Hobart residents to take part by allowing cameras to be installed on their properties.
The team, from the University's Natural Sciences department, set up 78 cameras around the suburbs of Hobart, capturing devils, quolls, bandicoots and other native animals.
Many of them were living up to 2 kilometres from bushland.
Associate Professor Menna Jones said the animals were being found in places where there were no sightings prior to 2000.
"We all know possums live in the suburbs, but are amazed at how many other wildlife species appear to be quite at home living in the suburbs far from the bush," she said.
Associate Professor Jones said she believed the drought in 2000 triggered a change in behaviour, luring animals closer to suburban water sources.
The cameras were set up around South Hobart, Dynnyrne, Sandy Bay and Taroona.
Potoroos, pademelons, echidnas and wallabies were also photographed.
In addition to the photographic survey, 300 Hobart residents completed a survey describing the animals they had seen in and around their backyards.
Animals found living closest to the city were Bennett's wallabies, eastern barred bandicoots, pademelons and brushtail possums.
Brown bandicoots, bettongs and echidnas were found 500 metres from bushland, while devils and quolls were photographed at properties near the bush.
"Our citizen scientists did a stellar job and came up with more wildlife and more species than the camera survey," Associate Professor Jones said.
"A good demonstration that a household of people watching their backyard is a rich source of information," she said.
