Rabbits are one of the most serious and costly vertebrate pests in Australia.  They are recognised as a potential threat over 300 threatened species (15 birds, 20 mammals, 6 reptiles, 1 invertebrate, 1 fish, 1 amphibian and 260 plant species) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.  As rabbits are so widely established and abundant in Australia, and given the current resources and techniques available, the focus of management is generally on abating their impacts rather than eradication.  However, eradication may be achievable in isolated areas such as small reserves, exclosures, and offshore islands.

The Australian Government’s Minister for the Environment has released the draft Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by rabbits for public comment. Also released is an associated background document.

See the Department of Environment’s website for more information and the submission guidelines. Note – the public comment period closes on 16 March 2016.