Rabbait Case Study: Phillip Island

Islanders tackle rabbit problems

The Landcare group has been active in removing rabbit harbour where possible and baiting to knock numbers where harbour can’t be removed.

The Bass Coast Landcare Network and local residents have undertaken an extensive rabbit baiting program on Phillip Island through Network’s Urban Landcare Program.

The Bass Coast Shire Council supported the project by provided funding to landholders to purchase RABBAIT^® Pindone Oat Bait and to engage contractors. The areas targeted on the island were in Cowes, Ventnor, Silverleaves, Cape Woolamai and Smiths Beach.

Matt Stephenson, the Pest Plant and Animal Programs Officer with the Landcare group said that it was important to have committed landholders involved in rabbit control projects.

“It is hoped that with the recent success of our program – other landholders in urban areas will join the party and assist those that are currently engaged in baiting work.”

He explained that rabbits on Phillip Island are found living under holiday houses and in scrub – so the impacts of ferreting and other control techniques on rabbit numbers are negated.

“The rabbits dig up gardens and lawns and are beginning to encroach on grazing land that adjoins urban areas,” Matt said. Local resident Tom Goode has encouraged over 30 of his neighbours to control rabbits by using RABBAIT^® in the Ventnor area.

“With a committed approach from the whole district we can put a huge dint in rabbit numbers,” Tom said.

“We have noticed that in some foreshore areas rabbits have been reduced from around 200- 220 in a given section each night to only 9 or 10 rabbits.”

He explained the reduction was quicker than expected and within a couple of weeks it is noticeable.

Easy to use

“RABBAIT^® really does work.”

“It is simple to use – you just need to put the time into a program for a few weeks – but the results are obvious,” Tom said.

Matt explained their challenge was to get the message out into the community.

“We receive a lot of complaints about rabbit numbers on Phillip Island but the frustrating thing is to get people motivated and involved to do something about it.”

He said baiting is simple and has proven to have a tangible impact on rabbit numbers.

“I think people just need to support their neighbours and give it a go.”

“There is no point in 10 percent of the landholders trying to control 100 percent of the rabbits – even 30 or 40 percent of the landholders getting involved with a RABBAIT^® baiting program could wipe rabbits off Phillip Island” Matt said.

Animal Control Technologies