A cull of rabbits from the Goorooyarroo nature reserve, Canberra, is the next step in the expansion of a protected area and the reintroduction of native animals.
It follows the erection of predator-proof fencing, and precedes a fox and cat control program, which will in-turn enable the extension of populations of bettong, eastern quolls and bush-stone curlews. The removal of rabbits will prevent erosion, protect the critically endangered Yellow Box – Red Gum Grassy Woodland ecological community, and remove a food source relied upon by cats and foxes. Reserve managers believe that rabbits would take-over if foxes and cats were removed first.
For more information, see the Canberra News story.
Predator-proof fencing. Photo: Adrian Manning