Shooting can be a valuable part of a rabbit control program, whether it be for hunting remnant rabbits or in situations were other controls are difficult to apply. Modern technologies, in the hands of experienced and qualified professionals, provide clear target identification and high levels of accuracy. In skilled hands, the technology can make shooting […]
Rabbit-Free Australia has been advocating nationally for strategic rabbit control, especially warren ripping, to be a standard component of drought relief and regional resilience programs. It is pleasing to see that rabbit control is available to landholders as part of a $760,000 investment through the SA government’s Drought Response program. See here for more information. […]
Rabbits are popping up in urban and peri-urban areas across the nation and can be difficult to control. Fewer control options are available and communities can have mixed views on whether control should occur or not. Through a Peri-Urban Rabbit Forum, Rabbit-Free Australia has been working with managers from all states to understand the issues […]
‘Eat the Invaders’, went to air on ABC TV and ABC iview on Tuesday January 7, 2025. Hosted by Tony Armstrong the first episode looked at rabbits, provocatively asking if ‘our unwanted ecological trash’ can be turned into ‘culinary gold’. It was a great show, highlighting the harm rabbits cause and provoking conversations about how to control […]
When it comes to rabbit control ‘near enough’ often isn’t ‘good enough’ for effective results. A new publication presents the science behind ‘best practice’ rabbit baiting programs to ensure they are efficient and effective, and have least risk to non-target animals. The practices aim to get maximum uptake of viable baits by rabbits for optimal […]
Where do you start with rabbit control? It’s a question we often hear so, with the help of fantastic technical advisors, Rabbit-Free Australia has produced a guide; ‘Keys to Rabbit Control’.
The short document is an easy to read distillation of the key principles and processes involved in rabbit control.
Effective rabbit control requires the planned integration of different control techniques, but a recent paper in the Journal of Pest Science by Taggart et al concluded that ‘Land managers view RHDV as a ‘silver bullet’ and release it to avoid applying more expensive but more effective control methods’. This conclusion was reached after the authors […]
Foundation for Rabbit-Free Australia has released a Discussion Paper outlining the case for a National Rabbit Management Coordinator, following broad consultation and in response to regulalry seeing first hand the need for such a position. A National Rabbit Coordinator would be expected to reinvigorate interest in rabbit control, promote relevant training, and stimulate the provision of […]
Effective planning is one of the keys to effective rabbit control – and now is a great time to start planning a summer control program. A case study from Riverina Local Land Services (NSW) shows the benefit of sound planning at a district scale (mapping warrens and arranging the most suitable machinery to use in […]
A systems approach is needed to ensure threatened species survive outside of fenced sanctuaries. Rabbit control, especially when linked with cat and fox control, will be an important foundation to such efforts in many parts of Australia due to their ecosystem-wide influence.