Around the world, there are many animals, large and small, who build their own homes. Using a remarkable amount of creativity and instinct, they construct residences and structures designed for protection, rearing young, and much more. Let’s take a look at 6 animals that build their own home-sweet homes.
1. Beavers
Did you know beavers have been called “ecosystem engineers” because their dams affect an environment’s water flow and quality? Yes, these handy rodents are known for cutting down trees with their teeth and weaving together branches, leaves, and mud to build their homes. In turn, the dams limit water flow and cause ponds to form, contributing to the development of wetland habitats. Many species of fish, mammals, birds, and insects live in wetlands—all thanks to the engineering power of beavers.
Beaver dams not only limit water flow but improve water quality as they act like filters. Whoever lives downstream can benefit from water with fewer pollutants, like pesticides and fertilizers. You can also think of beaver dams as giant sponges. They can whole a massive amount of water and gradually release it as the water moves through its cracks. Because of this, dams also play a big role in reducing the chances of floods.
2. Termites
Like ants and bees, termites live in complex communities where every member works for the greater good of the colony. Together, they help maintain the health of the group and build their home (called “mounds”) which can reach more than 17 feet high. Pretty amazing, right? It’s been reported that a well-developed mound can hold 33 pounds of termites and, in one year, they move more than 500 pounds of dirt to build these magnificent homes.
Mounds are made out of soil, saliva, and termite dung. While the structure looks solid and strong, it is actually quite porous with many small holes the termites enter and leave through. In most cases, a singular colony will have a queen and king. The queen has a singular job—to produce as many eggs as she can and continue to give the colony new members. They can often live for up to 45 years, which is one of the longest lifespans within the insect world.
3. Spiders
Not all spiders make webs! Only about half of documented spider species make webs used to trap their food. There are others that wait to pounce on their prey, or they’ll stalk and hunt. These highly intelligent creatures have evolved many ways to provide for themselves and survive in their ecosystems.
Depending on the species of spider, webs can look very different. For example, the webs of black widow spiders appear relatively messy compared to the intricate spiral orb webs crafted by those in the Araneidae family. Webs are also not just used to catch prey; they can be used by male spiders to attract females. Male spiders have been seen wrapping prey in webbing and presenting these food gifts to potential mates.
4. Bees
Bees are very selective when it comes to choosing where to build their hives. They must choose a location that protects them from nature’s elements but is also not too far from neighboring food sources. Once they’ve found a good spot, they will construct their hive using wax that is secreted from glands on their abdomens. The classic honeycomb shape is ideal because it uses the least amount of wax but carries the largest amount of honey.
In general, there are three types of hive members: the queen, worker bees, and drones. Like termites, each colony has a single queen that lays eggs to provide for the next generation of bees. Worker bees are all female and they are responsible for collecting pollen and nectar. They also keep the hive maintained and clean. Lastly, drones mate with the queen. They are all male and only stay in the hive during mating season!
5. Weaverbirds
In South Africa, weaver birds are industrious builders. Unlike traditional nests, weaver birds build elaborate nests that hang from trees. This ambitious task is completed by males as a form of advertisement to females. It’s their way of saying, “Look at this beautiful home I have to offer”. In a single mating season, they will often make multiple nests to maximize their chances of finding a partner.
The construction of a desirable nest is no easy feat. In addition to weaving the main chamber for rearing offspring, the best nests have a long tube extending from the bottom. This tube serves a dual purpose—protecting the nest from predators and serving as an entrance.
6. Chimpanzees
Our close relatives, chimpanzees, are primarily found in Western and Central Africa. They live in woodlands and forests and are sometimes found in farmlands. Like humans, chimpanzees live in sophisticated social groups made up of members that fulfill various roles. These groups called “troops,” can contain up to a hundred chimps that live, play, eat, and interact with one another.
From more senior members, younger chimps learn how to weave nests out of tree branches and leaves. These nests are usually pretty high up in the trees and provide a place for chimps to sleep and rest. Remarkably, some of these nests only take 10 minutes to build and they have been found almost 60 feet above the ground.
