Published on Friday, 14 February 2020 at 8:08:56 AM
The City of Greater Geraldton will be taking action to protect flora special to the Chapman River Regional Park by reducing the rabbit population in a month-long comprehensive baiting program starting next week.
Acting CEO Paul Radalj said that residents enjoying the trails along the Chapman River Regional Park have expressed concern regarding the damage to native vegetation caused by rabbits.
“Rabbits are not just confined to the Park,” he said.
“The surrounding land also supports large populations which poses an issue for both the City and other landholders.
“The Chapman River Regional Park is one of the few remaining quality stands of remnant vegetation in this area and we need to act to protect the flora in the area.”
The baiting product, Pindone, will be mixed with oats by the licenced contractor. Pindone is an anticoagulant poison similar to that found in many rat and rodent control baits. It poses a lower risk to humans and pets than the bait used in broad acre rabbit control. There is an antidote available from veterinarians.
“Signage and advertising will alert residents and visitors that baiting is in progress, however, it is the responsibility of surrounding landholders and visitors to manage their pets carefully while the signage is present,” Mr Radalj added.
The bait will only be put out at night when rabbits are most active. This will reduce the risk to non-target species such as native fauna and pets.
Adjacent landholders should bury any rabbit carcasses that they find on their properties. This will further assist in reducing the risk to non-target species that may consume dead rabbits.
For further information on regional rabbit baiting or feral animal control initiatives landholders please contact the City on 9956 6600. Read about rabbit management here: https://www.pestsmart.org.au/pest-animal-species/european-rabbit/
Back to All News