European Rabbits

Rabbits arrived in Australia with the first fleet who deliberately released them for hunting purposes. They rapidly colonised and are now found in all states and territories of Australia.

They graze on vegetation preventing seedling growth and establishment, and directly compete with livestock for feed. Rabbits compete with native fauna for food and shelter. Diggings and warren construction lead to loss of vegetation cover leading to soil erosion. More here

“The Threat abatement plan released by the Australian Government Department of the Environment in January 2016 found that rabbits are a significant threat to biodiversity, affecting 304 nationally threatened plant and animal species. Rabbits also impact agricultural productivity by $200 million a year”. (Source: Pestsmart)

Feral Rabbits

Photo: Wikipedia

Integrated Rabbit Control Program

The City undertakes an annual Integrated Rabbit Control Program on City managed remnant bushland areas with high environmental value. More here

More information on the Rabbit Control Program here

Rabbits are usually controlled via a baiting program using Pindone a first generation anticoagulant poison similar to that found in many rat and rodent control baits which is mixed with oats by the licensed contractor. It poses a lower risk to humans and pets than the bait used in broad-acre rabbit control. There is an antidote available from veterinarians.

More information on Pindone for pet owners here

Other management options include warren destruction, installing rabbit proof fencing, plant guards and biological control.

Rabbit Calicivirus Virus

The RHDV1 K5 virus is a strain of the existing virus already widespread in Australia, commonly known as calicivirus.  More on the virus here

More information on how to protect your pet rabbit from calicivirus here

   

Rabbit Control on Your Property

Some simple measures you can take on your property to discourage rabbits are: 

  • Preventing rabbits from entering your property with fencing, protecting seedlings with plant/tree guards, fencing off higher value vegetation e.g. vegie gardens
  • Remove areas that rabbits can harbour in such as wood piles or other materials
  • Install tree guards to protect your young trees
  • Using repellents such as garlic, onion or pepper powders, talcum powder or blood and bone sprinkled around your garden
  • Contact your local pest controller for management or advice for your property

Check out our handy guide to rabbit control on your property here

Answer some of your frequently asked questions here 

More information on approved control methods in urban and semi-urban areas here