Rabbit Biocontrol Advisory Group
Rabbit Density in New Zealand
Rabbits occupy 55 % of New Zealand :
- from sea level to 2,000m
- from the free-draining river flats of Westland to the volcanic soils of the central plateau
- the sand dunes throughout New Zealand; and
- the dry hill lands and plains of both islands.
Natural controls include:
- and rainfall (drowning of young in
Rabbits are mostly controlled by poisoning, using:
- aerially and ground-applied 1080 baits;
- Pindone (an anti-coagulant poison commonly used on rats);
• shooting; and
• gassing.
Over $12 million is spent annually on controlling rabbits in New Zealand. Most of the control is on farm land, but some is also undertaken on conservation lands. All costs of control are now met by landowners.
In highly rabbit-prone areas, rabbit management needs to be fully integrated with farming and conservation management. Rabbit-proof fencing, grazing management and close monitoring of rabbit numbers are all key parts of effective rabbit management.
Predators, particularly ferrets, are very important rabbit controllers. However, they are now also known to be infected with Tb in many places. They have now been officially declared Tb vectors. This means they can now be controlled under the Agricultural Pest Destruction Act (1967) until the Pest Management Strategy for Tb comes into effect. Control of ferrets will probably result in an increase in rabbits - thus more rabbit control.
Rabbits cost New Zealand a minimum of $22 million annually in control costs and lost production. Many costs are not able to be quantified.
Contact for Enquiries
MAF Information Services
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526
Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Fax: +64 4 894 0721
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