Pest animals – rabbits
- Fact sheet
- August 2015
enclosure on Wardang Island in 1938
Why are they a problem?
Rabbits have a devastating effect on the Australian environment. Rabbits have played an integral role in the extinction of many plants and animals, and continue to threaten the restoration of natural habitats.
Distribution
Rabbit numbers are difficult to assess and can change very rapidly due to environmental conditions. They are a serious pest in every Australian state due to their enormous reproductive capacity and their adaptability to our environment.
Reproduction
Rabbits are excellent breeders. They normally breed from autumn to late spring. They can become sexually mature at three months of age. In the optimum breeding period each female typically produces three to seven young per litter.
Impact
- high economic impact
- grazing on crops, therefore reducing crop yields
- grazing on pastures, therefore competing with stock for feed and reducing the property’s carrying capacity
- grazing on native vegetation, which changes the composition of native plant communities
- reducing food and habitat for native animals, insects, and birds
- destroying seedlings of some woody shrubs, including sheoaks, native pines and acacias
- preventing the regeneration of native species
Control
An integrated pest management plan is extremely helpful in the control of feral animals. Steps to developing an integrated pest management plan:
- Monitor pest animal presence and impact: identify where there are signs of pest animals and the severity of impact
- Plan: set clear objectives for what you want to achieve
- Design your approach: an integrated project, using a number of different control options. Work cooperatively with your neighbours