European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

 

European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are declared pests in Western Australia as designated under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007. Landholders have a legal responsibility to control rabbits on their property, even if the land is not actively used, to help protect neighbouring properties, agriculture and the environment.

Leschenault Biosecurity Group (LBG) can assist landholders with practical advice and support to help landholders develop and implement effective, long-term rabbit management strategies tailored to their property’s unique conditions.

Join us for 8th July 2026 Rabbit Management Workshop

Read about LBG’s annual Calicivirus RHDV1-K5 summer program: LBG’s Calicivirus RHDV1 K5 Release Program  

WHY ARE RABBITS A SERIOUS PEST?  
European rabbits are one of Australia’s most costly and environmentally damaging pests. They are pests because they compete with livestock and native animals for pasture and food, damage crops and native vegetation, and cause erosion. Rabbits are a serious threat to both agriculture and native biodiversity. They cause an estimated $197 million in agricultural losses annually and threaten over 320 native species, including the Malleefowl, Orange-bellied Parrot, and various endangered wallabies and orchids. Rabbits damage crops and vegetation cover, out-compete native species, alter ecological communities, contribute to soil erosion, and remove critical habitat for native animals. In urban and peri-urban areas, rabbits can also damage gardens, sportsgrounds, cemeteries, and culturally significant sites.

RABBITS CAUSE SIGNIFICANT IMPACT TO OUR ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMY AND MORE:

• Compete with livestock and native animals for food
• Damage crops, pastures and revegetation projects
• Prevent regeneration of native vegetation
• Damage gardens, sports grounds, parks, reserves and cemeteries
• Undermine verandas, garages, sheds & other infrastructure
• Provide an on-going food source that helps maintain fox & feral cat populations
• Have contributed to the extinction of several small (up to 5.5 kilograms) ground-dwelling mammals
• Cost an estimated $250 million annually worth of damage to Australian Agriculture

EFFECTIVE RABBIT CONTROL REQUIRES PERSISTENCE AND INTEGRATION OF MULTIPLE CONTROL METHODS
Successful rabbit control does not rely on a single control method. Persistence, strategic timing and the integration of multiple control methods are the keys to achieving long-term results. produce only short-term results as rabbits may produce many offspring and populations can recover quickly even after successful control programs. Maximum effectiveness is achieved by integrating appropriate control methods. Best control is achieved in late summer when rabbit numbers are decreasing, and feed is limited.

 

The most effective programs combine appropriate control methods suited to your property, including:

• Calicivirus RHDV1-K5 biological control
• Warren destruction and ripping
• Harbourage reduction, including cleaning rubble and wood piles that may be used as refuge
• Exclusion fencing and tree protection
• Baiting*
• Trapping
• Follow-up monitoring and ongoing maintenance.

Maximum effectiveness is generally achieved during late summer and autumn, when rabbit numbers are naturally declining and food sources are limited.

HOW LBG CAN HELP
LBG provides practical support to landholders throughout our Operational Area, including:
• Rabbit control advice and support specific to your property
• Calicivirus RHDV1 K5 releases during LBG’s Operational Area-wide annual summer program
• Loan of surveillance cameras, traps and smokers for investigations of warrens and burrows

NEED HELP WITH RABBITS?
Every property is different. The most effective combination of control methods depends on your property’s size, landscape, rabbit numbers, neighbouring land uses and available resources.
CONTACT LBG for personalised advice specific to your property be e-mail at info@lbginc.org.au or ring us on 0477 049 967.

* Important: Before undertaking any baiting program, ensure you understand the potential risks to non-target animals and always follow the product label and relevant Western Australian guidelines. For information on bait, poison and toxin (bait) products available for use in WA relevant to rabbits, please visit the following link: DPIRD_Rabbit control: bait products

RESOURCES TO HELP WITH RABBIT MANAGEMENT

WA DPIRD – Rabbits PestSmart Toolkit – Practical guides for managing rabbits RabbitScan – free app to record rabbit activity, damage, etc Glovebox Guide for Managing Rabbits