Summer is the ideal time for rabbit control through much of Australia, with conditions suitable for baiting, ripping and (assuming rabbits have stopped breeding in the absence of green grass) the release of RHDVK5. State and regional bodies have a key role to play in stimulating and supporting control programs and it is great to […]
In a global first, gene drive technology has been successfully applied to an invasive mammal. Previous applications have targeted invertebrates, like malaria-spreading mosquitoes. In this case, the technology was used to induce female infertility in mice. Gene drive technology can be precisely targeted to individual species and offers hope as a humane, toxin-free means of […]
Programs to eradicate invasive rats, cats, rabbits and goats have been a key to restoring the ecology on islands around the world according to a recent assessment of attempts on nearly 1,000 islands.
Current strains of myxomatosis are far more virulent than that released in 1950, but rabbits have increased resistance as well. Nonetheless, myxo is still important for rabbit control in Australia.
Symposium to explore the technical opportunities and social implications of next-gen biocontrols for invasive species.
Foundation for Rabbit-Free Australia is calling for the appointment of a national rabbit management coordinator and the development of a National Action Plan for rabbits. It is part of a policy statement released by the Foundation and circulated to parliamentarians around the country. More secure funding for rabbit control research is another of their priorities, […]
Protecting houses and ‘at-risk’ vegetation from rabbits are goals for ‘Rabbit-Free Phillip Island’.
A strong social hierarchy (or ‘pecking order’) and territoriality help prevent inbreeding, giving species an adaptive advantage. Whether it be a dominant female stick-nest rat ruling the nest, or a dominant male rabbit ejecting young males from a warren and forcing them to settle in foreign territory, the result is the same. Genetic diversity, saving […]
Videos presentations on the environmental and economic impact of rabbits, the latest research on how RHDV is working, and Easter Bilby as an advocate for rabbit control, are now available. The presentations are from a recent webinar co-convened by Rabbit-Free Australia and Centre for Invasive Species Solutions (CISS). The videos are available via CISS and […]
The eradication of ‘every last rabbit, cat and fox’ provided the foundation for the reintroduction of native animals to Sturt National Park, in NW NSW. Two reserve areas, totaling 40 sq kms, are now supporting populations of greater bilbies, crest-tailed mulgara and Shark Bay bandicoots, after they disappeared from the area over 100 years ago. […]