Learn about latest rabbit control initiatives

BELLARINE Landcare is inviting the community to learn about the latest initiatives in rabbit control.

One of Australia’s most serious pest animals, rabbits cause major damage to crops, pastures and native plants. They also outcompete native animals.

Their impact on the landscape can be massive but is not always seen. Even one rabbit per hectare has been shown to prevent the natural regeneration of native plants.

Rabbits’ capacity to reproduce rapidly and to adapt to life in many different landscapes and climates makes them a challenging pest. A pair of rabbits can breed up to 180 offspring in just 18 months.

Many small and large landholders are already working together with their neighbours in managing pest rabbits across the Bellarine, but more needs to be done.

Bellarine landholder Liddy Nevile has successfully controlled rabbits at her property and is a firm believer that collective action is the way forward.

“At the DIY level, nothing makes as much difference as working with neighbours, sharing effort, knowledge and equipment,” she said.

Many small and large landholders are already working together with their neighbours in managing pest rabbits across the Bellarine.

“All the stories of success tell how neighbours motivated each other and secured maintenance in the following years. The job is not hard, but working with others, it’s easy.”

To educate small and large landowners and encourage co-operation, Bellarine Landcare, through its Rabbit Sweep initiative, has organised a field day in the Swan Bay area on May 10 from 10am to 2pm.

The aim of the day is to help neighbours progress rabbit control activity.

Attendees will visit different sites to meet experts, watch and try out rabbit control techniques, chat to contractors, landowners, volunteers and have lunch.

Bellarine Landcare encourages small and large landholders to invite their neighbours to join them for an enjoyable and educational day out.

To register for the field day, head to rabbit-sweep.org

Registration is essential as location and final details will be sent to registered attendees before the event.

For more information, email [email protected]