Where are they found?
Present over much of Auckland , rabbits are found in
many different environments but in the wild do the
most damage in dunes, parks and open grassland /
pasture. Archaeological sites are also affected due to
burrowing.
Rabbits emerge at dusk to eat, and are usually active
all night. They continue to feed at dawn if food is
scarce.
The home range of an adult rabbit is approximately
2-4 hectares. They don’t always live directly in the
area they are damaging, sometimes making their
burrows in adjacent bush or under nearby houses.
Rabbits and the Regional Pest
Management Strategy
Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus) are a
declared pest in the Auckland Region under the
Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS)..
The following domestic varieties, when in proper
confinement, are excluded from the RPMS: New
Zealand white, angora, Flemish giant, rex, chinchilla,
Californian, Netherland dwarf, Dutch, tan, and silver
fox.
Rule 17.2.2.1 (re the Hauraki Gulf Controlled area)
applies - no person shall transport, move or distribute
rabbits into the Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area or onto
or between any of the islands within the Area.
Control of rabbits by landowners / occupiers is
encouraged, but not compulsory. Education, advice
and referrals to contractors can be provided if
requested.
Any control costs incurred are responsibility of
landowners/occupiers unless a partnership with a
community group is agreed on.
A rabbit detected by a motion-sensor camera in the Hunua
Ranges, in August 2015, moving through the bush to a
nearby field.
For more information on the RPMS and a
downloadable copy, go to the Biosecurity pages on
the Auckland Council website.
Disclaimer
Although this document has been prepared in good faith from a
number of sources believed to be reliable, the Auckland Council does
not give any warranty that all information contained is accurate or
complete or that advice given will be appropriate in all
circumstances. Auckland Council shall not be liable to anyone in
respect of damages suffered as a result of their reliance on the
information contained in this document.
Find out more:
Phone 09 301 0101
or email
[email protected]
This is the same slope on Māngere Mountain, one year apart
(before and after rabbit control)
Rabbit
Pest species
Why are they a threat?
Throughout New Zealand rabbits are a serious pest
capable of considerable physical, environmental and
economic damage.
Rabbits eat native seedlings, thus competing with
native animals and birds, and creating niches
(spaces) where exotic species can establish and
flourish.
How do I know if they’re on my
property?
If rabbits are living on or near your property you may
notice the following:
Plant damage – bark and foliage is bitten or
chewed, roots are dug up, and seedlings are
sometimes nipped cleanly in half.
There are several different control methods available
depending on the site and severity of the problem.
Exclusion fencing
Damaged areas can be protected with a rabbit proof
netting fence. Mesh should be 2.5-3cm in diameter.
The fence should be 80cm high with the bottom
pegged tightly to the ground or buried 20cm.
Habitat removal
Without suitable habitat with good cover to survive and
breed, rabbits become easy prey for their predators.
So, if gullies are cleaned up, weeds (eg gorse,
blackberry) are sprayed, and logs and other rubbish is
removed, rabbit numbers can be reduced
considerably.
A pingao (native sand
sedge) seedling
damaged by rabbits.
Note the bite goes
straight across the
stem, typical of rabbit
damage on new
growth.
A spinach seedling with rabbit damage
Also, in places where there are large rabbit
populations and sandy, barren soils, there is often an
increase in soil erosion.
What can I do to control them?
Rabbit faeces – they are usually small brown peasized lumps, found in small clusters (see picture
below).
On farms, rabbits compete with stock for pasture.
Ten rabbits can eat as much pasture as one sheep.
Rabbit warrens create a hazard for stock - they can
break or injure their limbs if they fall into burrows.
Rabbit-proof
fencing
Repellents
Chemical repellents, when sprayed on trees and
shrubs can discourage rabbit browsing. The most
commonly used repellent is a mixture of egg yolk and
acrylic paint, known commercially as ‘Treepol’. Other
repellents include Jeyes fluid, lime sulphur, and fishbased liquid fertilisers
Holes or depressions in the earth near logs, tree
trunks or even around and under your decking or
house. They can also be in the open grassy areas.
Bait & bait stations
Speak to your local Biosecurity advisor about the right
toxin programme for your situation.
Fumigation
Fumigants are effective where burrows or warrens are
evident. This is best carried out by a trained operator.
Rabbit damage on Central Otago pasture
Night shooting
An effective means of controlling small populations.
This should be carried out by a professional due to the
laws and health & safety measures required.