Rabbits
European rabbits are declared as established pests under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. They are one of the most widespread pests in Ararat and Victoria, and cause extensive and long-term damage to the environment by:
- Destroying pasture, crops and agricultural land:
- Rabbits cost over $200 million in lost agricultural production every year across Australia, and over $31 million in Victoria alone.
- Rabbits cost over $200 million in lost agricultural production every year across Australia, and over $31 million in Victoria alone.
- Causing soil erosion and increasing sediment amounts in waterways:
- This sedimentation can degrade wetlands and impact water supplies to people, livestock and wildlife.
- This sedimentation can degrade wetlands and impact water supplies to people, livestock and wildlife.
- Competing with native animals for food and habitat:
- More than 300 Australian, and 150 Victorian, threatened plants and animals are impacted by rabbits.
- Even 1 rabbit every 2 hectares can prevent the recruitment of entire native plant species.
- Increasing the abundance and distribution of other pests and weeds:
- Rabbits are a key food source to foxes and cats, and can increase their populations when in high numbers
- Loss of topsoil through grazing and warren building provides ideal conditions for many weeds to colonise a site
Rabbits are well suited to Australian conditions and breed prolifically: one pair of rabbits can produce more than 180 rabbits in 18 months!
More information about managing rabbits on your property can be found from:
Clearly identify the problem areas. Effective management requires specific targeting of breeding, feeding, and other active areas. Monitor your property to determine, and map, where these locations are.
One of the most used order and combination of methods is:
- Use biological control and baiting to reduce numbers
- Rip warrens and remove any hiding or harbouring places
- Follow-up with fumigation and further ripping of warren
Native plants and wildlife, waterways, and culturally significant areas can be impacted by management actions. Make sure impacts are mitigated where possible, and work with responsible authorities (Council, Catchment Management Authorities, State Government, etc) to organise the required permits.
Management is most effective when it is undertaken at the landscape scale, across properties. Liaise with your neighbours and local Landcare groups to develop a coordinated plan.
Make sure management actions are compliant with animal welfare, chemical handling and use, and firearms legislation and regulations.