The impact of small numbers of wild rabbits is usually unseen, even though it is serious to the environment. Add to that a misplaced sense of complacency that existing biological controls will always ‘do the job’ and the fact that promoting the eradication of a cuddly-looking animal will never be easy, and it is apparent that ‘awareness raising’ must be an essential and ongoing activity.
Awareness Aim: To increase awareness and understanding of the nature and extent of degradation caused by rabbits, the continuing threat they pose to Australia’s economic, environmental and social values, and the need for research into integrated control measures.
Awareness priorities:
- Knowledge management. Collating, synthesising and sharing information for increased understanding of rabbit issues, research needs and control options, focusing on:
- RFA website. Ensuring the RFA website is up to date and is a well-used source of information, especially for resource managers, students and potential investors or partners.
- Books, guidelines and other media. Collating and encouraging the production of books, guidelines and other media that spread the ‘rabbit story’ and/or information on how to manage feral rabbits.
- Public relations. Developing and managing partnerships to enhance the operations of the Foundation and public awareness of the issues it champions, focusing on:
- Members, sponsors and supporters. Developing and maintaining mutually beneficial, long-term relationships with members and key partners, including community groups.
- Easter Bilby. Ensuring the ‘bilbies not bunnies’ message is widely promoted and understood through Easter Bilby promotions.
- Communication. Spreading the word about feral rabbit issues and being responsive to community ideas and information needs, focusing on:
- RFA Newsletter. Regularly publishing a newsletter, available to members and interested others, with the latest information about RFA activities and rabbit-related news.
- Media. Working with traditional media networks and social media forums to share information, especially about new initiatives and research findings.
- Submissions. Presenting information and insights to relevant investigations and enquiries.
- Public events. Using conferences, forums or events to publicise matters and share information within broad communities.