Rabbits
Picture courtesy of Wayne Hillier
"European rabbits are Australia’s most widespread and destructive environmental and agricultural vertebrate pest"
-PestSmart
The grazing effect of rabbits can prevent native seedlings from regenerating, reduce crop yields, compete with livestock for pasture as well as directly competing with native animals for food and shelter. Grazing and digging by rabbits can impact on slope instability and increase soil erosion.
It only takes one rabbit per hectare to prevent native seedling regeneration.
Rabbit control options include:
Biocontrol agents
Baiting
Exclusion fencing
Fumigation
Warren Destruction
Trapping
Shooting
Rabbit control presentation
In 2021 the PHBG delivered five rabbit control information sessions across our operational area.
The sessions included a presentation by Dr Linton Staples on the safe use of Pindone for controlling rabbits.
This presentation is a detailed look at one tool available to landholders in the control of feral rabbits. Not any one control method works 100% alone, landholders should aim for an integrative management plan using complimentary methods to achieve long term control.