European Rabbits

E​uropean rabbits can sometimes be confused with hares, which are noticeably larger and have longer hind legs than rabbits. Hares also have longer ears with characteristic black markings.

​​​European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)​ are an introduced pest species that thrives in Tasmanian condition​​s. 

Distribution​​​​​

Rabbits are common in Tasmania. 

Rabbits occur in a variety of habitats including: 

  • urban

  • coastal

  • agricultural

  • natural forests

  • planted forests

  • grasslands

  • disturbed habitats

They prefer areas of low vegetation with well-drained, deep sandy soils where they can build warrens. These areas also provide safe places like scrub, blackberry bushes or fallen logs.

Environmental Impacts​​

​The environmental impacts of rabbits include 

  • competition with native species for food and shelter

  • changing native plant community composition 

  • degrading land

  • the extinction of several small (up to 5.5 kg) ground-dwelling mammals of Australia's arid lands

  • the decline in numbers of many native plants and animals

They are recognised as Australia's most widespread and destructive environmental and agricultural pest.

Competition with native animal species and land degradation by feral rabbits are listed as a key threatening process under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Rabbits are often a problem in backyards, gardens and reserves in Tasmania.

Managing Rabbits On Your Property

​​Wild European rabbits are a declared pest under the Biosecurity Regulations 2022​. 

I​t is a landowner's responsibility to manage wild rabbits on their land as part of their general biosecurity duty​​.​

​The latest research confirms that the use of an Intergrated Pest Management (IPM) approach is the most effective and cost efficient method of controlling rabbits.

IPM is the use of more than one control method to the same population of pests. 

Effective IPM typically involves applying different control methods in rapid succession.

For best results apply when rabbit numbers are low and stressed by seasonal shortfall 

  • in food 

  • by weather conditions

This is usually in late Summer or early Autumn.

A general conclusion from a recent study was that "a greater level of rabbit control, at a proportionally lower cost, could be acheived by focusing on the sequential, timely and intergrated application of control methods that are known to be highly effective and cost- efficient - and not relying on one ' silver bullet' control method."

​*Patrick​​​​​ L Taggart et al - "Do land managers apply best practice integrated pest management: A case study of the European rabbit"​​​

It is also important to work with neighbours as rabbits frequently move between properties. 

Neighbours working together can be more effective. Reinfestation can happen when rabbit control is absent on neighbouring land, undermining any control work and investment.​

If the intended rabbit control program risks the disturbance of native vegetation or animals, culturally significant areas and waterways, contact should be made with the responsible authorities prior to works being conducted.​​

Rabbit Biology and Behaviour​

Before creating a rabbit control program it is important to understand rabbit behaviour and ecology.  

The following information provides an overview to consider as part of a rabbit management plan.

Please do your own research as well.

  • Rabbits are prolific breeders, as they can produce large and numerous litters per year, they have a short gestation period and reach sexual maturity very quickly. A pair of rabbits can become over 180 rabbits in just 18 Months.

  • Rabbits may breed at any time of the year and is often triggered by active grass growth following rain.

  • Rabbit numbers fluctuate according to seasonal conditions, with breeding success related to the availability of feed. 

  • Rabbits have a hierarchy, dominant males mate with dominate females.

  • Non dominant rabbits often disperse to seek alternative feeding areas and establish other warrens.

  • Rabbits are naturally wary of new elements in their environment, so free feeding is an essential part of baiting programs.

  • Survival of young is far more successful when rabbits have safe harbours such as low vegetation, burrows and warrens. 

More Infor​mation​

For advice on controlling rabbit populations in Tasmania contact: 

Biosecurity Tasmania 03 6165 3777

Release of Rabbit Calicivirus Disease

NRE Tas undertakes rabbit control by releasing Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, also known as Rabbit Calicivirus Disease, where rabbit numbers are causing significant impacts.

Pindone Use for Rabbit Control

Where rabbits are a problem it is sometimes necessary to use poison to reduce the population quickly.

PestSmart Connect is a toolkit of information on best-practice management for several key vertebrate pest species including rabbits, foxes, feral pigs and feral cats.

Rabbit Scan is a free resource for landholders, Landcare goups, community groups, local councils, professional pest controllers and biosecurity groups.

Rabbit Free Australia​ - To promote the eradication of wild rabbits from Australia

Threat abatement plan for compe​tition and land degradation by rabbits​ | Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

Contact

Biosecurity Enquiries