The mighty fig: A titan of biodiversity

The urban core of Sydney Olympic Park has 4 species of fig trees, lining streets and shading gardens. These trees offer much to an urban environment as a keystone resource, loved by many people, animals, birds, and insects.

Shade
Many of us have memories of playing or sitting under the spreading branches of a fig. The dense foliage blocks the sun, but it is the tree's evapotranspiration that is the best relief. A tree draws up water through its roots, cooling the air as the tree transpires water from its leaves. This combination of shade and moisture means temperatures under fig canopies can be 5 degrees cooler than the open canopy of a eucalyptus and 8 degrees cooler than a street with no trees.

Figs offer important habitat to wildlife during all weathers. The nests of Willie Wagtails, Magpie Larks and currawongs are found in our figs – also sleeping animals such as Common Brush-tail and Ring-tail Possums along with an owl or two.

Food
Although not offering nectar, figs can carry ripe fruit at any time of the year. They can sustain wildlife through times of general food scarcity. Figs are sought after by possums, flying foxes and birds. One study recorded 82 bird species visiting figs from the large Pied Currawong down to tiny Silvereyes. There is even one bird so associated with figs, it was named the Figbird.

Figs attract a surprising number of insect-eating birds too. Ever watched Welcome Swallows swooping in a tight vortex over a fig? They may be feeding on tiny emerging fig wasps that provide a unique pollination service fertilising the fig fruit. They emerge en masse from ripe fruit. Up to 10 million tiny wasps can be released over a few weeks. This bonanza of food is enjoyed by many bird species.

Figs provide our wildlife with an important, year-round, food source and shelter, playing an important conservation role in urban biodiversity. As part of a biodiverse city, their value to maintaining our quality of life are immeasurable. Next time you relax under their generous shade, spare a thought for how many other creatures also enjoy a good fig.