Rabbit Management
Overcoming rabbits is not impossible it just takes persistence, dedication and community-led effort.
Managing rabbits in our landscape is important. They threaten our environment, agriculture production and cultural heritage. Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, rabbits are a declared pest animal therefore all landholders have a responsibility to prevent their spread.
Why you should only carry out Best Practice Rabbit Management
Best Practice Rabbit Management uses integrated and proven methods that are applied in the correct sequence in the right seasonal conditions.
The proven efficiency and effectiveness of best practice rabbit control methods are based on more than 20 years of research from long-term monitoring sites across Victoria.
The warren is the key to the rabbit’s survival and success.
Rabbits build extensive underground warren systems that provide shelter from weather extremes, protection from predators and a place for rapid breeding.
Collapsing the warren as part of your control program will ensure a breakdown in the underground structure, so rabbits cannot dig back in.
Keep this important fact in mind when you plan your control.
Get the most out of your rabbit control program
Aiming to be rabbit free irrespective of your rabbit control goals will ensure you are maintaining low population densities, which is crucial for long term success.
An integrated approach
A combination of control methods for rabbit management works best to ensure you are giving your program every chance at success.
Using the integrated techniques of the rabbit recipe will ensure your program is effective.
Working together
Maximise effectiveness
It’s important you are applying rabbit control methods in the right sequence and at the right time of year, otherwise you risk wasting your time, money and patience.
Following the rabbit recipe will guide you on implementing your control at the right time.
Monitor and follow up
If you monitor your control work, you understand what is or isn’t working. Follow up any work accordingly, to reduce risk of population rebound.
It only takes one pair of breeding rabbits to quickly rebound the population and undo your hard work.
Rabbit Control Cycle
Effective rabbit population management relies on best practices. This diagram shows that by planning your control measures in advance, you’ll be well-prepared.
Utilise seasonal variations to your advantage and follow recommended control methods. Lastly, evaluate any new activity and adjust accordingly.
Useful Rabbit Management Resources
The rabbit recipe
Best Practice Rabbit Management, Step 1 – Baiting
Best Practice Rabbit Management, Step 2 – Ripping
Best Practice Rabbit Management, Step 3 – Fumigation
Best Practice Rabbit Control Document
Working with contractors for effective rabbit control
Pest Smart Guide – How to rapidly assess a rabbit problem and take action
Virtual Extension Officer
Rabbit Control Notes
Planning, Assessment and Monitoring
Community Led Action is important
Community-led action against rabbits always works best.
Local people, community, government and industries across Victoria have shown by sharing knowledge, experience and taking responsibility as a collective, it is possible to successfully tackle rabbits.
Watch this video on Reclaiming the rabbit problem with communities.
Does your community need help?
Meet the A team
The VRAN Mentors are a group of recognized experts in rabbit management and community-led action in Victoria. Each VRAN mentor is experienced in designing and delivering rabbit management programs across both private and public lands in Victoria.
As a group, they provide expertise and insights from community, industry and government perspectives. Whether your rabbit program is big or small, the VRAN Mentors can assist you.