Published on Thursday, 24 March 2022 at 7:16:42 AM
Actions to protect the special flora in the Chapman River Regional Park will begin next week in a month-long comprehensive rabbit baiting program starting Monday 28 March 2022.
City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said visitors to the park have expressed concern regarding the damage feral rabbits are causing to native vegetation.
“The Chapman River Regional Park is one of the few remaining quality stands of remnant vegetation in this area and we need to act to protect the flora from all feral insects and animals including rabbits,” he said
“Unfortunately, these rabbits are not just confined to the park. The surrounding land also supports large populations which poses an ongoing issue for all the landholders in the area.”
The baiting product Pindone, an anticoagulant poison similar to that found in many rat and rodent control baits will be used.
Pindone poses a lower risk to humans and pets than the bait used in broad acre rabbit control and will only be put out at night when rabbits are most active, which will reduce the risk to non-target species such as native fauna and pets.
Signage and advertising will alert residents and visitors that baiting is in progress, however, it is the responsibility of visitors to the park and surrounding landholders to manage their pets carefully during the baiting period. An antidote to Pindone is available from veterinarians.
Adjacent landholders should bury any rabbit carcasses that they find on their properties. 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 more about feral rabbit management here: https://www.pestsmart.org.au/pest-animal-species/european-rabbit/
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
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