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Identifying features
Rabbits are lightish brown in colour with black flecks, a reddish neck and white underparts. Both sexes look alike. They breed continually throughout the year, with females producing 45 to 50 young each year.
Responsibility for control
Rabbit control is the responsibility of the land owner/occupier. Our Regional Pest Management Strategy aims to reduce populations to acceptable levels in accordance with the modified McLean scales of rabbit infestation (see Table below). Land owners/occupiers must keep rabbit numbers at/or below Level 4 in all areas of the region.
The rabbit monitoring programme uses the modified McLean scale and will be instigated on a complaints only basis where there is a common boundary between the complainant and the ‘exacerbating’ property. Properties and immediate neighbours will be monitored within three days and all affected land owners/occupiers informed of inspection results.
Table: Modified McLean Scale of Rabbit Infestation
| McLean Scale |
Level |
| No sign seen. No rabbits seen. |
1 |
| |
|
| Very infrequent sign present. Unlikely to see rabbits. |
2 |
| |
|
| Sign infrequent with heaps more than 10 metres apart. Odd rabbit may be seen. |
3 |
| |
|
| Sign frequent with some heaps more than 5 metres but less than 10 metres apart. Groups of rabbits may be seen. |
4 |
| |
|
| Sign very frequent with heaps less than 5 metres apart in pockets. Rabbits spreading. |
5 |
| |
|
| Sign very frequent with heaps often less than 5 metres apart over the whole area. Rabbits may be seen over the whole area. |
6 |
| |
|
| Sign very frequent with 2-3 heaps often less than 5 metres over the whole area. Rabbits may be seen in large numbers over the whole area. |
7 |
| |
|
| Sign very frequent with 3 or more heaps often less than 5 metres apart over the whole area. Rabbits are likely to be seen in large numbers over the whole area. |
8 |
| |
|
Controlling rabbits
Habitat manipulation
This control method reduces rabbits’ habitat and discourages infestations. Remove heaps of logs, piles of stones etc. Continual improvement in pasture quality will also discourage rabbit populations.
Exclusion fencing
A good way to protect specific crops and gardens is to enclose them with a rabbit proof fence. The fence should be 80 cm in height made from a 2.5-3 cm diameter wire mesh. Rabbits will try to burrow under the fence, so it must be pegged tightly or buried 20 cm into the ground. Young trees can be protected using rabbit netting cylinders, plastic sheaths or steel guards. Materials can be purchased from farm supply stores, hardware stores and some garden centres.
Repellents
Repellent can be used around the base of plants to discourage rabbit browsing. One of the most effective repellents is a mixture of egg yolk and resin (recipe below). Chemically manufactured repellents are also available – ask at your local garden centre or farm supply store.
Animal repellent recipe
Ingredients
1: To treat 350 trees
500 grams whole egg powder
1 litre Primal AC 235 Acrylic Resin
2: To treat 700 trees (one knapsack full – 15 litres)
1 kilogram whole egg powder
2 litres Primal AC 235 Acrylic Resin
12 litres water
Method
Mix egg with a little warm water to form a paste, then add resin and remaining water. Pour through strainer into applicator.
Application
Spray approximately 20-30 ml over and around each seedling in the field immediately after planting where possible. A second application may be needed in the spring.
Fumigant
Magtoxin fumigant is a tablet that reacts with moisture in the soil or in the air, releasing hydrogen phosphide gas. It should only be used where you can locate the burrows. Take time to seal off of the entrances to the burrow or the rabbits will escape when you use the fumigant. Place three tablets down the burrow and seal it off with a sod of earth.
Follow the guidelines for use carefully (written on each canister). If swallowed, give a glass or two of water, induce vomiting until vomit fluid is clear and call a doctor. Magtoxin can be ordered through most farm supply stores.
Poison
Pindone rabbit poison is an anticoagulant, which reduces the clotting ability of the blood, causing internal haemorrhaging. Rabbits require two feeds of Pindone to die, often continuing to eat bait after receiving a lethal dose. To avoid wasting bait a ‘pulse baiting’ method should be used. This involves laying bait for 3-4 days and removing bait for several days, repeating the cycle if necessary (see guidelines for use).
Read the label carefully before use and take precautions to keep poison away from stock, pets and children. The antidote for Pindone is vitamin K1. Pindone can be purchased from farm supply stores.
Trapping
Mark 6 Fenn traps designed for Mustelids (ferrets, stoats and weasels) can also be effective for rabbit control. Place traps where rabbits frequent (for example feeding sites or entrances to burrows). Dig a space large enough to set the trap so it is level to the ground. Ensure there are no obstructions that may stop the trap releasing effectively.
Legal Requirement: all 'live capture' traps must be checked daily.
Shooting
Every person shooting must either hold a firearms licence, or be under the supervision of a person holding a firearms licence who is over 20 years old. You should inform your neighbours where and when you intend to shoot. This may be a good opportunity to co-ordinate with your neighbours to control your rabbit problems.
If you are night shooting ensure that your spot light battery is fully charged and you know the area well. Be sure to positively identify your target before shooting by the ‘eye-shine’ of animals:
- red-pink for possums, rabbits and hares
- yellow-green for sheep.
Factors that affect night shooting include:
- moon phases (the darker the evening, the more rabbits will feed above ground)
- feeding (not all rabbits feed at the same time)
- weather conditions.
Shooting in the same area on consecutive nights is likely to be less effective, as rabbits become light and gun ’shy’. To maximise your efforts, approach the area from different directions each time.
Other control methods
There are several animals in New Zealand which prey on rabbits, for example stoats, ferrets, weasels and feral Cats. However, while preying on rabbits these animals also prey on many of New Zealand’s native species.
Rabbit calicivirus information
Environment Waikato no longer undertakes controlled releases. RCV is naturally occurring in feral rabbit populations.
Useful contacts
For additional advice and information on effective means of control, contact your nearest Biosecurity Animal Pest Contractor.
For enquiries on policy and procedual matters call Environment Waikato's Freephone 0800 800 401
Where to buy rabbit control products
Related publications
Regional Pest Management Strategy