Rabbit Action Group
The Rabbit Action Group was established to:
provide advice and assistance to landholders
increase landholders’ knowledge, skills and capability to implement rabbit control
encourage collaboration amongst neighbours, including between public and private land managers
Rabbits, one of Australia's most serious pest animals, 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. Two rabbits can breed up to 180 rabbits in just 18 months.
The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) lists 322 native plants and animals as threatened by the competition and land degradation caused by rabbits.
Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act (CALP) 1994, property owners have a responsibility to take all reasonable steps to prevent the spread of, and eradicate, rabbits from their land.
Warren Smoker Kit
A Warren Smoker Kit provides an effective, portable and affordable tool to identify all warren exits - essential when undertaking fumigation.
Bob Beveridge and the late Dick Simonsen, Rabbit Action Group members, designed this smoker kit and in 2019 they were awarded a commendation at the Victorian Landcare Awards for their innovation.
In 2024 their idea was commercialised by Animal Control Technologies where it is now available for sale.
Further information on purchasing and using Smoker Nuggets available from ACTA
Other Resources
Rabbit Spotlighting Guide - to monitor the effectiveness of control methods spotlight monitoring should be undertaken before and after works.
Our Rabbit Control Calendar provides a guide to which control methods are effective at which times of the year – stick it on your fridge as a reminder!