European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are an introduced pest species that thrives in Tasmanian conditions. They are recognised as Australia's most widespread and destructive environmental and agricultural pest.
European 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.
Environmental impacts
The environmental impacts of wild rabbits include
competition with native species for food and shelter
changing native plant community composition
degrading land and promoting weeds
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
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).
Managing rabbits on your property
Wild European rabbits are a declared pest under the
Biosecurity Regulations 2022.
It 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.
Best results occur when rabbit numbers are low and stressed by weather conditions and seasonal shortfall in food.
A general conclusion from a recent study* was that "a greater level of rabbit control, at a proportionally lower cost, could be achieved by focusing on the sequential, timely and integrated 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. Further information can be found in the links under the More Information section at the base of this page.
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 dominant 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 information
For advice on controlling rabbit populations in Tasmania contact: Biosecurity Tasmania 03 6165 3777
NRE Tas undertakes rabbit control by releasing Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, also known as Rabbit Calicivirus Disease, where rabbit numbers are causing significant impacts. The following pages provide information on control methods and how to create a control program.
Rabbit control Methods
Create a Rabbit Control Program
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 competition and land degradation by rabbits | Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
Rabbit in garden
Photo: Lynn Broos