Biosecurity series – animal factsheet
Rabbits
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Advisory
animal
Eradication
Progressive containment
Sustained control
Site-led
Keep rabbits from damaging high value biodiversity sites.
WHY RABBITS ARE PESTS
Production threat
Environmental threat
Public threat
Rabbits have been a major agricultural and environmental pest in parts
of New Zealand since the 1870s. While rabbits are now widespread
throughout the Waikato region, in most locations they are no more than a
nuisance factor as the region’s high rainfall and lush growth restricts their
abundance. However, periodic infestations can be found around the sandy
pumice soils south of Tokoroa and Lake Taupō (particularly the Western
Bays), along the narrow strip of land either side of the Waikato River as
far north as Rangiriri, and in the coastal communities of the Coromandel.
Photo: Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
IDENTIFYING FEATURES
Uncontrolled rabbit populations can expand rapidly in the holiday areas of
Coromandel and Taupō as many properties are not occupied year round.
Holiday home owners should consider rabbit control as a regular part of
their property management.
The European rabbit is about the size of a small
domestic cat, with long ears and a small tail. They
breed continually throughout the year, with adult
females capable of producing 45 to 50 young each
year.
The European rabbit was introduced to New Zealand as a food source and
hunting resource in the 1830s. Females can produce 45 to 50 young each
year, but only about 10 per cent of juveniles survive to six months of age.
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In large numbers, rabbits compete for grazing, reducing the amount of
palatable pasture and farm stocking capacity. They contribute to erosion
and undermine buildings with their burrowing and affect dune restoration
and native restoration programmes. They damage young plantation trees,
horticultural crops and residential and vegetable gardens and lawns.
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RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTROL
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All landowners/occupiers in the Waikato are responsible for the control
of rabbits on their property and, on direction from an authorised person,
must do so where populations have reached a level of 5 or over on the
McLean scale.
All landowners/occupiers in the Waikato are responsible for controlling
rabbits on their properties. If Waikato Regional Council receives a valid
complaint about rabbits, it uses the modified McLean scale to check how
bad the infestation is (see table on next page). Any property monitored at
level 5 and over will be a problem for neighbouring landowners and the
land occupier will be directed to control rabbits until they are at level 4 or
below.
Waikato Regional Council can supply technical advice if needed and/or
pest contractor contact information.
www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/rabbit
Rabbits are generally nocturnal.
Most wild rabbits are light brown in colour
with black flecks, a reddish neck and white
underparts.
Rabbits are a different species to hares.
Rabbits are smaller, they tend to run in a
bobbing fashion with their tail up and showing a
white underside. Hares run with their tails down,
showing their black upper surface.
Rabbits are smaller than hares, weighing just 1.5
to 2kg, compared with 2.5 to 5kg for a hare.
CHECKING FOR SIGNS OF RABBITS
Rabbits’ burrows can be identified by the small ‘heap’ of soil
at their openings. Other signs of rabbits include damage to
pasture and plants. However, it’s difficult to be sure whether
this damage has been caused by rabbits, unless you’ve seen
them regularly and found their pellets or droppings in those
areas where they’ve been spotted.
Rabbits leave droppings in small heaps or scattered throughout
their feeding areas. The droppings are generally dark in colour,
oval-shaped and approximately 8 to 10mm in length.
The McLean scale below is used by councils to assess levels of
infestation in relation to the number of ‘heaps’ visible in an area.
As mentioned earlier in this factsheet, any property monitored
by the council at level 5 and over will be a problem for
neighbouring landowners and the landowner/occupier will be
directed to control rabbits until they are at level 4 or below.
Modified McLean scale of rabbit infestation
Level
Description
1
No sign seen. No rabbits seen.
2
Very infrequent sign present. Unlikely to see rabbits.
3
Sign infrequent with heaps more than 10m apart.
Odd rabbit may be seen.
4
Sign frequent with some heaps more than 5m but
less than 10m apart. Groups of rabbits may be seen.
5
Sign very frequent with heaps less than 5m apart in
pockets. Rabbits spreading.
6
Sign very frequent with heaps often less than 5m
apart over the whole area. Rabbits may be seen over
the whole area.
7
Sign very frequent with 2-3 heaps often less than
5m over the whole area. Rabbits may be seen in
large numbers over the whole area.
8
Sign very frequent with 3 or more heaps often less
than 5m apart over the whole area. Rabbits are likely
to be seen in large numbers over the whole area.
Note: This scale provides an index of rabbit density that is most useful
when making comparisons between similar types of country, or recording
changes from year to year in the same district. It is not suitable for
measuring short term changes because old signs may last and numbers
seen are affected by factors like the time of day and pasture length. The
McLean scale level 4 indicates a minor-moderate infestation density.
Any property monitored at level 5 and over represents a situation
where rabbits on the assessed property are likely to be impacting on
neighbouring landowners and control action is required.
DISCOURAGING RABBITS
Disclaimer: Any product names mentioned below are not an
endorsement nor are they a criticism of similar products not
mentioned.
Repellents
Repellents are designed to make plants unattractive to
browsing rabbits. They are generally applied as sprays, which
have to be reapplied periodically to treat new growth within
browsing range (40 to 50cm above ground level). Spray-on
repellent solutions should not be applied to the point of run off
as with other garden sprays. Adhesives in repellent mixes can
block plant stomata, especially on delicate foliage when heavy
applications are used.
The following commercial preparations are available through
many garden centres and agricultural merchants:
• Thiroprotect – a thiram-based repellent
• Treepel – an egg-based repellent
• Plantskydd – a new product which has been tested
successfully in trials and is available from Newfield
Marketing in Christchurch.
If using repellents on a small scale, the following ‘homebrew’
options can also be considered.
Egg mix
Thiram mix
4 eggs
100mL water-based paint
900mL water
Mix eggs and paint, then add
water. Pour through strainer
into spray applicator. This
mix does not last as well as
commercial egg preparations
and usually has to be
reapplied every three weeks.
50g thiram fungicide
wettable powder
100mL water-based paint
900mL water
Mix thiram powder with a
little water to make a paste,
then add the rest of the
water and the paint. Thiram
provides good protection
but remember, it is an
agrichemical. Follow all label
instructions regarding use
and handling.
Habitat manipulation
Without suitable habitat, rabbits become exposed to the
elements and are easy prey for their predators. If gullies are
cleaned up, weeds (gorse and blackberry) controlled and
logs and other rubbish removed, rabbit numbers can be
considerably reduced. Also, ensure that access under baches,
support buildings and sheds is blocked using the same
techniques as with exclusion fences. Prune shrubs and hedges
and remove other vegetation that offers rabbits protection from
the weather and predators.
Habitat manipulation has a more permanent effect on rabbit
numbers than other control methods.
Exclusion fencing
Fencing can protect gardens and specific crops. To be effective,
a rabbit-proof fence should be at least 80cm in height and
made from galvanised wire netting with a maximum mesh size
of 3cm. As rabbits can dig under fences, the bottom of the
netting should be buried 20cm into the ground or turned out
along the top of the ground in the direction that the rabbits will
attempt to enter. Gates through the fence must be close fitting,
preferably with a concrete sill under them to prevent rabbits
from burrowing underneath.
Individual shrubs and trees can be protected using rabbit
netting cylinders, plastic sheaths or steel guards. Electric
fencing can also prevent rabbits from damaging crops and
gardens.
HOW TO CONTROL RABBITS
Integrate a variety of control methods for a better effect than
only one control method.
Shooting
Shooting can be effective in controlling light infestations of
rabbits and is probably the most common form of rabbit control
in New Zealand. Every person who is shooting must either hold
a firearms licence, or be under the supervision of a person who
holds a firearms licence. You should inform your neighbours of
where and when you intend to be shooting.
When night shooting, ensure your spotlight battery is fully
charged and you know the area well. Make sure you positively
identify your target before shooting. For example, the ‘eye-shine’
of rabbits and possums is red-pink, while the ‘eye-shine’ of sheep
and cattle is yellow-green. Note that repeated night shooting in
the same area may become less effective, as rabbits can become
shy of light and guns.
Trapping
Trapping can be time consuming, requires knowledge of
correct trap placement to prevent catching other animals and
is not recommended unless you already have some trapping
experience.
If you live in an urban area, there is a real risk of catching
someone’s domestic animal. Check with your local district/city
council to ensure that traps or snares are allowed under local
bylaws. Contact your local biosecurity animal pest contractor
for more information on using traps for rabbit control. See the
More information section on the back page for details.
Poisons
Pindone™ rabbit pellets
Pindone™ can be purchased for use in bait stations from your
local agricultural store. Please note, you cannot use pindone
outside a bait station (for example, laying baits on open
ground) unless you have a controlled substance licence.
Pindone is an anticoagulant poison originally developed for
rodent control. Rabbits are particularly susceptible to pindone,
while cats and dogs are five to six times more resistant and
humans 100 times more resistant. This makes pindone, when
used correctly, relatively safe for use in urban areas. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions and keep bait containers in cool
and dry locked cupboards.
Pindone is slow acting and the rabbit must consume baits
over several days for it to be effective. Accidentally poisoned
domestic pets should be taken to a vet who will administer
Vitamin K1, an effective antidote.
Pindone must be used in a bait station that:
• is safe for humans
• is inaccessible to non-target animals, such as dogs
• protects baits from rain.
Examples of suitable bait stations include the NoPest
Multifeeder bait station and modified Philproof bait station.
These bait stations are also suitable for possums, rodents
and ferrets. For information on where to buy them, see the
Commercial pest controllers section of this factsheet.
For large numbers of rabbits,
increase the number of bait
stations and spread them
through areas containing rabbit
signs. For help with correct bait
station placement, contact the
biosecurity team at the council.
Rabbits are ‘neophobic’,
meaning they don’t like new
Wild rabbits are a nuisance in many
things. It may take time before parts of the Waikato region.
they take pindone from the bait
station. Be patient and don’t tamper with the placement of the
bait station.
Fumigation
Rabbits do not always live in burrows. Sometimes they live
under buildings or in patches of heavy cover. However, rabbits
in a burrow can be controlled by fumigation.
A fumigant introduced to a burrow system produces toxic
fumes. It is also very effective for controlling young rabbits
that do not wander far from their burrows and are difficult to
poison or shoot. Magtoxin is recommended for general use. It
produces phosphine gas.
Fumigation is labour intensive and is best used in conjunction with
night shooting or as a follow up to poisoning. Use a dog to run the
area first, which helps drive rabbits into cover underground. Make
sure the dog is restrained before you start fumigating.
Burrows often have more than one opening so check the
surrounding area for other possible entrances. Next, using the
spade or grubber, cut back the opening of the burrow so you
have easy access. Cut a sod of earth the appropriate size to
completely block the entrance.
Before using any fumigant or poison:
• read the poison container label
• comply with all handling instructions
• understand symptoms of poisoning and the recommended
first aid treatment.
Place the fumigant at least 30 to 40cm into the burrow. Ensure
that any escaping fumes are blown away from you by the wind.
Immediately seal the burrow by placing the sod of earth grass
side down (this prevents loose soil from falling onto the fumigant
and burying it) into the entrance and stamping it in to make
the burrow as air tight as possible. Systematically fumigate
all burrow entrances. If you are using Magtoxin in very dry
conditions, place the fumigant on a piece of damp paper or cloth
already placed down the burrow.
Disposing of rabbits
To kill a trapped rabbit, approach from behind and grasp it by
the back legs. Stun the animal by quickly delivering a sharp
blow with a hammer or heavy stick to the head, between and
slightly forward of the ears. Apply a second hard blow to the
same area of the head to kill the rabbit.
Dispose of rabbit carcasses by burying them in your garden,
leaving them for the hawks or to decompose at the edge of a
paddock, or putting them in your rubbish bag if you live in an
urban area.
MORE INFORMATION
Summary of control methods
Advice
CONTROL METHOD
KEY POINTS
Repellents
Effective to allow plants to grow above height of rabbit browse.
Short lived effects.
Doesn’t affect rabbit population.
Habitat
manipulation
Long term effects.
Can be costly.
Shooting
Requires a firearms licence.
Only effective on low to moderate rabbit numbers.
Can’t be used in residential areas.
Trapping
Poison – Pindone™
Magtoxin
Risk of catching domestic animals.
Must be checked daily.
Caught rabbits must be dispatched.
Bait stations must be used unless pindone is used by a controlled
substance licence holder.
Effective when available feed is scarce and rabbit warrens can’t
be located.
Can take weeks before rabbits start to consume bait.
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For advice and additional
information on control methods,
call our animal pest staff on
freephone 0800 BIOSEC
(0800 246 732).
Publications
View, download or order the following
publications at www.waikatoregion.
govt.nz/publications or call our
freephone 0800 800 401.
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Highly effective when rabbit warrens are obvious.
Controls young rabbits yet to venture out of warren.
Waikato Regional Pest
Management Plan (RPMP) (free)
(Section 6.13, pages 209-210)
Waikato Regional Council pest
guide (free)
What makes a pest a pest? A
summary of the Waikato Regional
Pest Management Plan (free)
Web
COMMERCIAL PEST CONTROLLERS
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Pest control contractors can be found under pest control in the Yellow Pages. Some
companies are included in the list below on where to buy rabbit control products and
services.
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www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/
rabbit
www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/rpmp
WHERE TO BUY RABBIT CONTROL PRODUCTS
Try your local farm supply stores or garden centres or contact:
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Key Industries, phone 0800 111 466 – www.nopests.co.nz.
Philproof Pest Control Products, phone 07 859 2943 – www.philproof.co.nz.
Animal Control Products, phone 06 344 5302 – www.pestoff.co.nz.
Connovations Ltd, phone 09 215 4355 – www.connovation.co.nz.
Waikato Regional Council
Private Bag 3038
Waikato Mail Centre
Hamilton 3240
For more information call Waikato Regional Council’s freephone
0800 800 401 or visit www.waikatoregion.govt.nz.
Waikato Regional Council biosecurity factsheet series. Updated June 2015 (4283-0515)