Category Archives: About Rabbits

Rabbit skin coat – life in the 1940s

A ladies rabbit fur coat, worn in the 1940s, reveals a charming story. A post by Jon Lineen of the National Museum tells the story of a beautiful coat and of rural life in the 1940s.

Great booklet about new bio-control RHDV1 K5

A great booklet full of information about the selection of RHDV1 K5 as a new biological control for rabbits in Australia has been produced by the Invasive Animals CRC. The booklet also sets out how landholders can involved in the release of the virus, and gives some history of rabbits and former control measures in Australia.

Approval for eventual release of RHDV K5

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has approved the registration of a new RHDV K5 strain of rabbit calicivirus that will strengthen Australia’s ability to manage wild rabbits. Read more at the Minister’s Media Release. Landholders can register to be part of the national release. See PestSmart for more information.

The Origins of Easter Bunny

Why Easter Bilby and ‘Bilbies not Bunnies’ are promoted – a great article by RFA Patron, Brian Cooke, in ‘The Conversation’.

Fewer rabbits > fewer feral predators > more small mammals

Amazing increases in the distribution and occurrence of the dusky hopping mouse, plains mouse and crest-tailed mulgara have been attributed to rabbit control. RHDV suppressed rabbit numbers, reducing competition for food and the pressure from rabbit-dependent predators like cats and foxes. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.12684/abstract

Rabbits Running Rife

Great effort by students at Cowra Public School to tell about the impact of rabbits.

Update on release plans for RHDV1 K5

Planning is underway for the release in Australia of a calicvirus strain (RHDV1 K5) which is expected to perform well in cooler, wetter regions. http://http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-12/delayed-release-for-new-calici-strain/7083388?WT.mc_id=newsmail