Urban environments often overlook the needs of local wildlife, but thoughtful outdoor seating design can play a key role in supporting urban degu populations. These small, social rodents native to Chile thrive in areas with shelter, food sources, and safe passageways. Here’s how urban planners and designers can create degu-friendly seating:

1. Incorporate Natural Materials: Use untreated wood, stone, and native plants in seating structures to provide hiding spots and nesting opportunities.

2. Create Connected Spaces: Design seating clusters with low walls or planters that allow degus to move safely between green spaces.

3. Add Foraging Opportunities: Include edible native plants like grasses and shrubs near seating areas to supplement degus’ diets.

4. Ensure Safety from Predators: Elevate seating slightly or incorporate protective barriers to give degus escape routes from urban predators.

5. Maintain Quiet Zones: Position seating away from high-traffic areas to reduce stress on degu colonies.

By integrating these elements, cities can support biodiversity while providing functional public spaces. Such designs not only benefit degus but also create more engaging, ecologically rich urban environments for human residents.