Published on Wednesday, 18 January 2023 at 7:15:06 AM
To control high rabbit numbers, protect threatened flora and revegetation works in the Chapman River Regional Park the City of Greater Geraldton will be undertaking a four week-long rabbit baiting program that begins on Monday 23 January 2023.
The comprehensive baiting program will take place adjacent to Moresby and Waggrakine suburbs and the Tom Muir Arboretum in Strathalbyn.
City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said rabbits cause severe environmental damage if left uncontrolled.
“Rabbits impact our environment by competing with native animals for food and habitat, they damage our native flora and cause soil erosion in our bush reserves,” he said.
“The Chapman River Regional Park is one of the few remaining quality stands of remnant vegetation in the area and we need to protect it for future generations.
“Signage and advertising will alert the community that rabbit baiting in the area is in progress, however, it is the responsibility of surrounding landholders and visitors to the park to manage their pets carefully while the program is being delivered.”
The baiting product, Pindone, will be mixed with oats by the licenced contractor. Pindone is an anticoagulant poison similar to that found in many rat and rodent control baits. Although it poses a lower risk to humans and pets than the bait used in broad acre rabbit control, an antidote is available from veterinarians.
To reduce the risk to non-target species such as native fauna and pets the bait will only be put out at night when rabbits are most active.
Adjacent landholders should bury any rabbit carcasses they find on their properties as this will further assist in reducing the risk to non-target species that may consume dead rabbits.
For further information on regional rabbit baiting or feral animal control initiatives landholders please contact the City on 9956 6600. Read about rabbit management here: https://www.pestsmart.org.au/pest-animal-species/european-rabbit/
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
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