Mapping the active rabbit areas on your property will show exactly where a problem exists and how serious it is, which will help when deciding on the best place to start control and how much it might cost.
The property map should be current and accurately show scale in order to help when working out potential control costs but it can be an aerial map, a satellite image or hand-drawn. Separate transparent overlays can be useful when mapping different areas of the property as it can make the map easier to interpret.
On the map, outline all natural features, improvements and property boundaries. Then mark areas where rabbits are breeding. This needs to include warrens and above-ground structures. Also show areas where rabbits are living underneath buildings such as sheds.
When mapping rabbit-breeding areas, look for them carefully and thoroughly—they are often hard to see and there are always more places rabbits are living and breeding than you anticipate.
Once all rabbit breeding areas on the property have been mapped, the next step is to prioritise the areas for control. Start at the source of rabbits: where most of the breeding is occurring; where the largest, most active warrens are; and where rabbits are causing most damage.
Climate and timing of control:
The best time to conduct rabbit control is when populations are small and more easily managed— when costs will be low and effectiveness will be high. Periods of drought are particularly good times to control rabbits as they will be concentrated around the last available source/refuge areas, just waiting for the coming rains.
It is to these areas that rabbits retreat when times are tough so if the source areas can be identified, the rabbits can be controlled.
How much are rabbits costing you?
Rabbit damage can be measured in dollar terms. Depending on the type of enterprise you run, the cost per rabbit will be different. For a simple guide, see Table 5 which provides an estimate of the cost of rabbits to a variety of enterprises. When working out the costs of damage to a crop, the length of time that the crop is in the ground should also be taken into account.
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