Rabbit Monitoring

The FNQ Tablelands including the areas surrounding the townships of Mareeba, Atherton, Malanda, Ravenshoe and Herberton are experiencing high densities of rabbits and a greater spread over a geographical area than possibly ever before.

A key objective of this project is to quantify if rabbits on the tablelands are in fact increasing in density and spreading into areas previously thought free of rabbits or of low rabbit density.

There is currently poor base line data in Far North Queensland to confidently assess this situation.

In addition, the only real level of control of rabbits in the Far North has, in recent years, been through the release of RHD virus. It is now suspected the virus has a limited window to which it remains effective.

Estimating rabbit spread and density will assist in management decision making in a number of ways:

• Give an indication of the prevalence of rabbits in the FNQ region;
• Indicate rabbit hotspots and strong holds of populations where rabbits may be dispersing;
• Identify and map sites and rabbit density to assist in future selection of control techniques;
• Document necessary data to assist research efforts;
• Increase Local Government awareness and skills to monitor rabbit populations and implementing the suit of control methods;
• Increase collaboration and awareness between regional stakeholders.