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In the book, 'Those Wild Rabbits: How They Shaped Australia', author Bruce Munday writes: "Where rabbits are a threat, two things are certain; if present they will inflict environmental damage likely to be much greater than first meets the eye, they will not go away."
With a long history in Landcare, agriculture and natural resource management, Bruce champions the power of community action as the first line of environmental defence. With that in mind, this edition focuses on equipping you with practical tools, resources and even a short film to improve rabbit management outcomes, so that together, we can ensure rabbits really do go away.
- Heidi Kleinert, National Feral Rabbit Management Coordinator |
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| New Glovebox Guide for Managing Rabbits |
Now in its third edition, this updated glovebox guide comes at a critical time, with many land managers facing increasing pressure from feral rabbit populations. It offers clear, practical advice to help people plan, manage, monitor and improve their rabbit control program. Visit PestSmart to order your new of the Glovebox Guide or download on the link below.
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2026 Rabbit R&D webinar now streaming |
We had an incredible response to the 2026 Rabbit R&D Webinar, with more than 300 people registering. This year's theme, 'New tech for traditional control,' generated some really interesting discussions, covering topics such as: |
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- Monitoring and recording rabbits and warrens
- Getting the most out of RHDV-K5
- Policy innovation - building resilience through rabbit control during drought
- Using camera traps for more confident rabbit control
- Modelling rabbit distribution to map biodiversity threats
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On behalf of the partners Rabbit-Free Australia, the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions (CISS), and the National Rabbit Management Coordination project, thank you to all the guest speakers, event team and everyone who attended. |
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Why do rabbits multiply so quickly? | |
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They require a protein-rich diet to trigger reproduction
- Rabbits are sexually mature at 3 – 4 months
- Gestation lasts ~32 days
- 2-12 kittens per litter
- 4-7 litters per year
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| - Females can mate within hours of giving birth
- Can breed all year if the conditions are right – food, shelter and no human control or predators
- Fastest breeding mammal - 2 rabbits can reproduce 184 in 18 months
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Claim your tax deductions for pest management |
Did you know that if you are a primary producer, you can claim deductions for costs you incur to maintain land – including pest animal and weed management! The Australian Tax Office has created a quick guide factsheet to explain what you can claim. Check it out and make sure you share this tip with your neighbours! |
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If your property is out of sight – rabbits might be out of mind |
Some of us may have properties that are used as weekenders, lifestyle blocks or investment holdings. While you're away, pests and weeds can still establish and spread.
NSW have developed an informative video explaining land managers' responsibilities and the message is simple – always monitor your property and take action. |
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If you have a rabbit issue but live in an urban area or on a lifestyle block, you may be limited in your rabbit control options. In this video from Agriculture Victoria, discover how biological control, exclusion fencing, tree guards, ferreting and other options can be added to your rabbit control plan for specific circumstances.
Watch here and check your legislation in your state to see if the management options suggested are permitted. |
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| Tree guards used for rabbit protection. |
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Rabbit disease surveillance update |
From February to mid-May 2026, CSIRO detected RHDV2 in 64% of samples tested. RHDV2 was detected in the following states NSW, VIC, SA and TAS. Myxoma virus was also detected in all seven eyelid samples that were submitted for testing. All myxoma virus detections were in Victoria.
Find out more results here and see previous updates here.
If you would like to help us build a picture of where RHDV is located in Australia, order your rabbit test kits for free via CSIRO or the RabbitScan websites.
If you want to determine the population immunity of rabbits in your area before releasing K5, contact EMAI for serology testing. Note this is a fee-for-service test. |
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Location of submitted cases for calicivirus and myxoma virus testing in December 2025 and January 2026: 45% of samples tested positive for RHDV2 while 89% of samples submitted for myxoma virus testing tested positive for myxoma virus. |
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Heidi with the Recognised Biosecurity Group (RBG) members. Source: CISS. |
Earlier in the year, I attended the Recognised Biosecurity Group (RBG) Annual Forum in Perth to provide a national overview of coordinated rabbit management efforts and discuss emerging challenges and opportunities. The forum brought together biosecurity practitioners and leaders from across the state and it offered a valuable platform for sharing ideas, knowledge and networking. |
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| Northwest Victoria field day. Image credit: Heidi Kleinert. |
The Problem with rabbits on Country |
Rabbits are well known for their impacts on agriculture and biodiversity but often forgotten is the impact on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage. In May, I joined local First Nations representatives, Parks Victoria and North Central Catchment Management Authority for a site meeting to discuss the impacts of rabbits on Country in northwest Victoria.
The aim was to listen to everyone's concerns, discuss rabbit management approaches and consider what place-based decisions could be made to overcome challenges to reduce rabbit impacts on the cultural and ecological values. This is the beginning of the conversation, and in future newsletters I look forward to sharing more stories about First Nations partnerships. |
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Return of the Rabbit Plague: Australian Geographic |
In April, rabbits featured in the Australian Geographic. Dr Tanja Strive, a senior principal research scientist with CSIRO and I spoke with Chrissy Goldrick about how rabbits have re-engineered our natural landscape, our national response to the rabbit problem and exploring the history and future of rabbit biocontrol |
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If your organisation or community group is thinking about hosting a rabbit webinar, contact me at rabbits@invasives.com.au |
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| Using Webinars to Improve Rabbit Management |
A big part of the National Feral Rabbit Management Coordination program is about raising awareness of the rabbit problem and building our ability to manage it effectively. With that in mind, I've been joining a range of webinars to help strengthen how we manage rabbits. Some of the recent titles include:
- Rabbit R&D
- Better Rabbit Management in Tasmania - NRM in the Regions |
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Have you seen a black rabbit? We'd love to know about it! |
Black rabbits seem to be pretty rare, which makes this a citizen science request a remarkable opportunity. If you've seen a black rabbit anywhere in Australia, know of places they've been spotted, or can point us toward people who might be able to help (land managers, pest controllers, ecologists), we'd really love to hear from you.
Every sighting helps us build a clearer picture of what is happening with rabbit populations in Australia. Send your discoveries with us at rabbits@invasives.com.au |
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| Black-coloured feral rabbit. Image credit: Judy Knowles. |
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Community-led rabbit management program workshop – Lancefield |
Are rabbits causing chaos on your property? Come along to a practical workshop with Macedon Ranges Shire council officers, Landcare group facilitators and experts from the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN), who will guide landholders in undertaking a coordinated, integrated rabbit management program. Date: Wednesday, 24 June 2026 Time: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM Location: Lancefield Mechanics Institute, 4 The Crescent, Lancefield, 3435 |
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Small Town, Shared Solutions: Port Campbell takes on Rabbits |
In the small coastal town of Port Campbell, Victoria, locals took action when rabbits began affecting their town and the nearby . The Port Campbell Rabbit Taskforce created a plan with the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) to help residents learn how to work together to monitor and control rabbits in ways that work for their area.
To share what they learned, the project team documented the project by engaging videographer Lachlan McLeod to make a 20-minute film, Rabbit Control in Port Campbell. The film shows local experiences and practical tips and continues to help raise awareness about rabbits and support ongoing community action.
More information contact Kylie Treble, Port Campbell Rabbit Action Group, 0417 718 343 | info@theplaceofwonder.com.au |
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In the latest edition of 'News from the Alps', the editor, caught up with ACT Parks & Conservation Service, Parks Victoria, and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to explore how they are managing rabbits and other pest species in their parks. Curious how rabbit management is reaching new heights? Read more here. |
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Boost for feral rabbit control in the Riverina |
Efforts to tackle feral rabbits across the NSW Riverina region have received a significant boost, with the NSW Government committing $120,000 through the Good Neighbours Program to support targeted on‑ground control activities. Read more here.
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Drought Support: Rabbit Control Program in South Australia |
Addressing pest issues during a drought is rarely straightforward, but over the past nine months, South Australia's Drought Support Program has made a significant impact on the ground. Read more here. |
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From Recruits to Leaders: Bootcamp helps drive rabbit control |
The Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) rolled over the odometer on more than a decade of training Bootcamps for people from Landcare groups and networks, agency staff, local government, Traditional Owner groups, commercial contractors and anyone else who has a commitment to effectively managing rabbits across Victoria. Read more here. |
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If you're part of a community group seeking funding support, here are a few grant programs currently open or soon to be opened. |
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| Australian Wildlife Society Conservation Group Grants
The Australian Wildlife Society (AWS) offers Conservation Group Grants to support wildlife conservation groups dedicated to preserving Australia's native fauna and their habitats. These grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with the number of grants awarded each year depending on available funding.
To apply, complete the grant application form available on the AWS website. For more information on this grant scheme, click here. |
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| Wettenhall Environment Trust's Small Environmental Grant Scheme The Wettenhall Environment Trust's Small Environmental Grant Scheme continues to call for projects that positively impact the environment, with grants between $2.000 and $15,000 available. Grants are issued four times a year in February, May, August and November. Applications open 8 December 2025 for funding in February 2026.
For more information on this grant scheme, click here. |
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Share our newsletter and stories and follow us on social media. Please add your voice by commenting on our posts. |
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This project is managed by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions and proudly supported by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Rabbit Free Australia and Darling Downs - Moreton Rabbit Board. |
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The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions acknowledges the continuing connection of First Nations Peoples to culture, country and community in Australia and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging. |
Copyright © 2026 Centre for Invasive Species Solutions. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as you opted in via one of our organisational websites or sign up forms to receive our e-newsletters or media releases. If this was done in error, simply click unsubscribe below.
Our office address is: Centre for Invasive Species Solutions
Innovation Building 22, University Drive South BRUCE, ACT 2617 Australia |
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