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About
About
The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was introduced to Australia in the 18th century and has since become the nation's most widespread and destructive environmental and agricultural pest. Their rapid spread is attributed to a lack of natural predators and adaptability to various environments.
Rabbits cause significant agricultural damage by competing with livestock for pasture and damaging crops. They also threaten native ecosystems by overgrazing, leading to soil erosion and loss of plant biodiversity.
Control measures include warren destruction through ripping, which removes their shelter and breeding sites, and biological controls like the introduction of the myxoma virus in 1950 and the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (also known as K5, RHDV or calicivirus) in 1995.
Despite these efforts, rabbit populations remain a challenge that requires ongoing and coordinated management strategies.
Control methods
Control methods
Chemical
Chemical
There are strict laws and regulations on using poisoned baits such as pindone to control feral and invasive animals.
Physical
Physical
Physical control methods for managing feral rabbit populations in Australia must adhere to local regulations and animal welfare standards. Effective strategies include:
Shooting: Using appropriate firearms, shooting can help reduce rabbit numbers, especially in areas with low-density populations.
Trapping: Employing cage traps allows for the capture and humane euthanasia of rabbits, suitable for situations where other methods are impractical.
Warren destruction: Techniques such as ripping and fumigation effectively eliminate rabbit shelters and breeding sites, providing long-term population control.
Exclusion fencing: Constructing rabbit-proof fences prevents rabbits from entering specific areas, offering a long-term solution when properly maintained.
Implementing these methods in combination with other control strategies enhances their effectiveness in managing rabbit populations.
Biological
Biological
Biological control has been central to managing rabbit populations in Australia. The myxoma virus (introduced in 1950) and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) (introduced in 1995) initially reduced numbers, but rabbits have developed resistance over time. The RHDV K5 strain, released in 2017, is currently the most effective biocontrol, reducing rabbit populations by up to 80% in some areas.
Ongoing research focuses on improving biocontrol agents to overcome resistance and maintain their effectiveness.
Biocontrol alone is not an effective solution to your rabbit problem. We encourage all our landholders to consistently deploy multiple methods of rabbit control. That said, we do run a rabbit biocontrol program every autumn. Learn about your eligibility to participate here.
Report a rabbit hotspot
Report a rabbit hotspot
With your help, the PHBG can identify locations of feral animals. We want to know about populations that concern or affect you. Click the green button below to open the reporting form in a separate tab.
More resources
More resources
Factsheets
Factsheets
Glovebox Guide to Managing Rabbits (Pestsmart)
Videos
Videos
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