In an effort to reduce rabbit numbers in Victoria’s north, the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has completed another successful ‘Rabbit Buster’ month.  In its second year the program runs in February and involves a coordinated approach to rabbit control on public and private land. 

Mr. Trent Gibson, who manages the Enhancing the Values of the Gunbower Ramsar Site project, said the aim of Rabbit Buster month is to reduce rabbit populations on both the Kerang Ramsar wetlands and adjoining farm land.   “Reducing the rabbit population improves habitat quality for native fauna, protects cultural heritage sites and reduces crop and pasture losses for local farmers.

“The program targets the Kerang Lakes, Avoca Marshes and surrounding areas.  In addition to public land managers, Fairley Bael Bael and Sandhill Lake Landcare Group members have been involved in reducing rabbit numbers across an estimated 5,500 hectares of land.  To ensure we obtain the best outcome it is important that the North Central CMA, local farmers, Landcare Groups and public land managers work together to deliver an integrated rabbit program.”

Mrs. Glennis Ficken, from Fairley Bael Bael Landcare group, said after the January 2011 floods, rabbit numbers in the area escalated, however with support from the North Central CMA, Landcare members joined together in an attempt to reduce the impact of rabbits in the area.  “After Rabbit Buster month, landowners in the area will continue their efforts to control rabbits by ripping or fumigating warrens and shooting to further reduce numbers.”

“The North Central CMA will continue to undertake spotlight transects to monitor rabbit numbers and to map and destroy rabbit warrens on public land,” said Mr. Gibson.

“Another benefit of the program is working in partnership with the North Central CMA’s Indigenous ’Wetlands Enhancement Crew’ who have been involved with mapping and monitoring rabbit burrows on Indigenous cultural heritage sites,” concluded Mr Gibson.  

The project is a partnership between private landholders, Landcare Groups, Indigenous land managers, Trust for Nature, Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), Parks Victoria, and is managed and coordinated by the North Central CMA. 

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au