Australia failing to bring rabbits under control

Detailed summary

A new national report reveals Australia is failing to get rabbits under control, with populations increasing in several states and damage worsening in others.

Australia is failing to progress the eradication of one of its most destructive invasive species.

Rabbit numbers are on the rise in several states along with their impact on native wildlife and agriculture, according to national research.

The government-compiled Vertebrate Pest Management Report Card reveals overall rabbit numbers, distribution and impacts remain largely unchanged over the past five years.

Yet populations have increased in Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT, while environmental damage is growing worse in NSW and Tasmania.

They threaten 322 nationally listed species, destroy native vegetation and wildlife habitat and cause more than $200 million in agricultural losses annually.

The future of the federal government's flagship Established Pest Animals and Weeds program meanwhile hangs in the balance.

Its ongoing funding was not included in the last federal budget with a decision on its continuation expected next year.

"Rabbits have been devastating Australian landscapes for more than 150 years, yet this report shows we're still failing to get their numbers down," Invasive Species Council Advocacy Director Reece Pianta said.

"We know rabbit control works when governments, landholders and communities have the tools and resources to act together.

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