Rabbits

Rabbits were first brought to Australia from England by the First Fleet but the real source of the substantial populations experienced today is believed to be the release of just 24 rabbits in Victoria in 1859.

Australia’s climatic conditions have resulted in prolific breeding of rabbits throughout Australia and cleared farm lands have also provided ideal habitat for burrows.

Rabbits impact on Australian animals by spreading disease and competing for space and food. The rabbit has also contributed significant damage to the Australian environment though the destruction of vegetation (including threatened species) which has also resulted in erosion, nutrient loss and waterway health decline.

Record Rabbit activity in RabbitScan

RabbitScan is a free resource for landholders, landcare groups, community groups, local councils, professional pest controllers and biosecurity groups. It has been designed by landholders for communities, and it is very easy to use. 

What does it record? 

  • Rabbit activity (such as sightings and warrens)
  • Damage, such as soil erosion
  • Control activities (such as warren ripping)
  • Disease in rabbit populations (such as RHDV).

Benefits of using RabbitScan

  1. Develop a property or local area map of rabbit activity to guide control efforts
  2. Work together with your neighbours to undertake coordinated control
  3. Notify your local community or landholder group about rabbit activity and disease presence
  4. Send alerts to nominated people, such as neighbours or biosecurity authorities.   

Resources for Rabbit Management 

A number of control techniques are available for rabbit management, and there are many practical resources to help you decide which techniques to use, including glove-box guides, videos and practical manuals. The suitability of control options will often depend on your circumstances, location and time of year. 

Access the practical resources on Feral Scan

Back to top