| Welcome to the 7th edition of the Feral Rabbit Newsletter.
In pest animal management, major breakthroughs can be few and far between, making it especially important to recognise and celebrate progress when it occurs. This edition highlights a few significant milestones for rabbit management in Australia, demonstrating the growing commitment, collaboration, and innovation being directed towards addressing one of our most persistent invasive species challenges. |
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A major highlight was the inaugural Wild Rabbit Roundtable, which brought together leaders from community groups, industry, research organisations, and government agencies to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding rabbit management in Australia. Building on the momentum of this event, the Australian Government announced a $2.6 million investment as part of a $4 million national partnership to deliver Phase 1 of the Future-Proofing Rabbit Biocontrol Program. This important partnership brings together the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, CSIRO, the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, state and territory governments, and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).
Another milestone worth celebrating is the anniversary of the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN). For more than a decade, VRAN has provided invaluable support to communities and land managers through training, information sharing, and on-ground engagement, helping land managers build the skills and confidence needed to tackle rabbit impacts across Victoria. VRAN also launched a scoping report examining the connections among invasive species management, mental health, and community well-being.
We also congratulate Professor Brian Cooke, who received a prestigious award at the 8th World Lagomorph Conference in recognition of "a lifetime dedicated to research, the advancement of knowledge, and the study of lagomorphs." Presented by the World Lagomorph Society, the award is particularly notable given that many members focus on lagomorph conservation. It is rare for such recognition to be awarded to someone whose career has centred on reducing the abundance of invasive rabbits. Brian's work exemplifies the importance of understanding species biology, whether the goal is conservation or effective pest management.
These achievements remind us that progress is possible when communities, researchers, industry, and governments work together. I hope you enjoy reading about these successes and the many other developments featured in this edition.
- Heidi Kleinert, National Feral Rabbit Management Coordinator |
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What is the cost of waiting to take action on rabbits? |
Early rabbit control delivers strong long‑term benefits for our local environment and is good for your back pocket. You can achieve great outcomes from early rabbit action including: |
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Lower lifetime costs: Early control keeps rabbit numbers low, making control simpler, shorter, and far less expensive than tackling large, established populations later.
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Improved land condition: Early control prevents ongoing soil erosion, burrowing damage, and vegetation loss, helping maintain healthy soils and stable landscapes.
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Faster ecosystem recovery: Native vegetation regenerates more quickly when rabbits are controlled early, supporting biodiversity and habitat resilience.
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Higher productivity: Early actions protects pastures and crops from sustained grazing pressure improves agricultural output and reduces lost income over time.
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Reduced spread and reinvasion: Early action limits rabbit dispersal to neighbouring properties and reduces the need for repeated, large‑scale control programs.
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Better return on investment: Preventing damage is far more cost‑effective than repairing degraded land, meaning the long‑term benefits clearly outweigh the short‑term costs of management.
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New report on invasive species management and the impacts on wellbeing |
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Managing invasive species is demanding work. It takes time, labour, equipment, and money. All of these costs are well understood. What has been far less understood, until now, is the toll this work takes on people and the potential it holds to support human health and wellbeing.
A report commissioned by the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN), examines the connections between invasive species management, mental health, and community wellbeing. The report, by Jessie Kenny, includes ways to embed mental health considerations into pest management programs, 'making them not only more effective and sustainable, but healthier for the people who deliver them and the communities they serve'.
The review presents fifteen practical opportunities for government, community organisations, NRM practitioners, and researchers to improve outcomes for both people and the environments they steward. This VRAN program was undertaken with support from the Victorian Government's Partnership Against Pests Program. |
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Young farmer with Kelpie. Source: Kerrie Kerr, iStock. |
Love your dog – let's keep them safe |
For many people living on farms and lifestyle blocks, dogs are constant companions, travelling with us as we go about work around the property. Pest management is an important part of land management, protecting livestock, crops and native wildlife. However, it is important to remember that some control methods can pose a risk to our four-legged friends. Read more here.
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Glovebox guide for managing rabbits |
The new Glovebox Guide is proving to be a popular resource, with more than 2,000 hard copies already distributed from CISS HQ.
Designed as a practical and accessible reference, the guide provides valuable information to support rabbit management and control efforts across Australia. Whether you're a landholder, pest management professional, or community member, the Glovebox Guide is a free resource to keep close at hand. |
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Barrier fences can be the first line of defence |
Many of us are choosing rabbit-proof fencing as a first line of defence against rabbits, whether for a home garden, small property, wildlife sanctuary or a zoo.
When it comes to requests for information on rabbit management, fencing information is in the top five. Here are a few interesting video stories on fence construction and maintenance and their value in home gardens and on large conservation properties.
Australian Wildlife Conservancy Bellarine Peninsula Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu
Odonata |
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| Aris Sertaridis installing rabbit proof fencing. Source A.Sertaridis. |
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Assessing rabbit warrens. Source DDMRB. |
Hiring a contract shooter? Start with the Shooter's Checklist |
Professional contract shooting can be an effective tool for reducing rabbit populations, particularly when used as part of an integrated rabbit management program. Before you engage a contractor, it's important to ensure they have the right qualifications, insurance, and operating standards in place.
Rabbit-Free Australia has developed a practical Shooter's Checklist to help landholders conduct due diligence before any work begins. By taking a few minutes to review these requirements, you can help ensure safe, professional, and effective rabbit control outcomes. |
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| Video - How to use Feral Scan & Rabbit Scan |
Have you used RabbitScan or FeralScan yet? Or perhaps you've heard of it but aren't quite sure how it works?
Both are easy-to-use, free digital tools that help landholders, community groups, contractors and government agencies record and map rabbit activity, damage and disease outbreaks. The information you record can help identify rabbit hotspots, monitor local and national trends, and target your rabbit control efforts where they are needed most.
You can decide if you want to share your data with others or keep it private. The data you collect can also help your community group or workplace leverage support for on-ground action and/or future investment. Want to know more? Watch this video from NSW Local Land Services. |
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Rabbit disease surveillance update and how you can help |
From July to mid-August, CSIRO detected RHDV2 in 71% of samples tested. RHDV2 was detected in the following states: NSW, VIC, WA, QLD and SA.
No myxo samples were submitted for testing during this time.
Find out more results here and see previous monthly 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 that this is a fee-for-service test. |
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Map showing the location of submitted cases for calici virus testing, July- August 2026. RHDV2 was detected in the following states: NSW, VIC, WA, QLD and SA. |
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Heidi with the VRAN Board and Agriculture Victoria representatives. Source: CISS. |
I joined the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) to celebrate their 10 years + 2 of helping people help the land. The organisation was established with a simple but powerful idea: that rabbit management is only effective when we work together.
Over the last decade, VRAN has shifted the operating landscape of pest management, moving away from a top-down approach to put the community at the heart of the solution. Through its bootcamps and mentor services, VRAN has empowered a new generation of land managers with the collaboration, engagement and technical skills needed to protect native species, agricultural assets, cultural heritage, community assets and wellbeing.
The collaborative model hasn't just worked; it's world-class and has been recognised with a United Nations Public Service Award. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the VRAN journey, and here's to another 10 years! |
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Rabbit Sweep event in the Bellarine. Source: CISS |
Sweeping rabbits from the Bellarine |
I recently attended a Rabbit Sweep event in August, where 40 participants from the Bellarine region came together to learn more about effective rabbit management and the benefits of working together. During the session, I presented on the National Coordinator Program and shared simple, practical steps landholders can take to improve their rabbit management programs. The event provided a valuable opportunity for community members to ask questions, learn from one another and explore coordinated approaches to rabbit control.
The Rabbit Sweep Program has been forming rabbit management cluster groups to help neighbours work together to tackle rabbit problems more effectively. Supported by local community experts, clusters give landholders access to expert advice, free property assessments, practical demonstrations, and opportunities to plan coordinated control activities across multiple properties.
By taking a community approach, the Bellarine clusters can achieve better long-term results than individual efforts alone. Whether you're already dealing with rabbits or want to prevent future issues, joining a cluster is a great way to learn, connect with neighbours, and take action. |
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Where are we at with... Rabbits? |
I recently had the opportunity to join the host of Where Are We At With...?, David Curnow, to discuss Australia's rabbit management challenges.
We had a relaxed conversation about the ongoing impacts rabbits have on agriculture and the environment, why they remain so difficult to control, and the current and emerging tools available to land managers. If you've ever wondered where rabbit management is at today and what the future may hold, listen in. You can listen for free from wherever you access your podcast services.
You may notice some factual errors in the interview: these were retained intentionally so our conversation could flow. For example, I referred to rabbits surviving "droughts and floods" underground when I actually intended to say, "droughts and fires." I also referred to K5 as an antidote to 1080 or future poisons. I wanted to point out that K5 is a medicated rabbit poison (biological control), and vitamin K is used as an antidote for certain anticoagulant poisons.
David is an excellent journalist. Listening to this series, you will be both informed and entertained! |
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| Rabbit Masterclass 2026. Source: CISS.
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In May, I joined forces with NSW DPIRD and Local Land Services to deliver two rabbit management masterclasses in Wagga Wagga, NSW. These sessions delivered more than training; they built momentum for smarter, landscape-scale rabbit control. Read more here. |
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Feral rabbits in a paddock. Source: David Kleinert. |
The Chief Environmental Security Officer, Gabrielle Vivian-Smith, recently convened a Wild Rabbit Roundtable, bringing together more than 50 participants from across Australia.
As the National Coordinator, I welcomed the opportunity to present on current trends in feral rabbit populations, management activities, data collection efforts, and the key challenges and opportunities that will influence future rabbit management in Australia. |
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| Come say hello at a Landcare event |
A big part of the National Feral Rabbit Management Coordination program is about raising awareness of the rabbit problem. With that in mind, I'll be attending the Victorian Landcare Forum in Pakenham from 31 August to 2 September and NSW Landcare & Local Land Services Conference in Corowa from 27 October.
Please come and say hello and tell me what you've been up to in rabbit management. |
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25,000 conversations about rabbits at Ekka |
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Strategic Compliance Coordinator Mat Warren and Inspector Mark Ridge with Costa Georgiadis. Source: DDMRB. |
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| At Ekka, Inspector Mark Ridge with Queensland Minister for Primary Industries, the Hon Tony Perrett MP. Source: DDMRB. |
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The Darling Downs–Moreton Rabbit Board (DDMRB) is a statutory authority established under Queensland's Biosecurity Act 2014. It is responsible for maintaining the 555 km rabbit barrier fence and managing rabbits across eight local government areas in southern Queensland. Read more here.
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Rodenator R3 Unit: a new tool against rabbits for Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group |
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Demonstration day for Rodentor R3 Unit. Source: PHBG. |
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| Rabbit Warrens. Source: CISS. |
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Although Rodenator R3 units may be familiar tools in other states for rabbit management, they are less common in Western Australia. In May, Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group hosted a demonstration day showcasing the Rodenator R3 unit, an innovative rabbit control technology that provides a targeted alternative to traditional warren ripping. Read more here.
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From 'Silver Bullet' to Integrated Controls: Shifting community approaches to rabbit management |
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After more than seven years of facilitating annual Calicivirus RHDV1-K5 releases across its Operational Area, Leschenault Biosecurity Group (LBG), one of Western Australia's 14 community-led Recognised Biosecurity Groups, is seeing an encouraging shift in how landholders approach rabbit management. Read more here.
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Degraded Landscape - pre rabbit management. Source: Parks Victoria. |
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| Landscape recovery post rabbit management. Source: Parks Victoria. |
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Protecting Country while tackling rabbits |
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A rabbit control project in north-east Murray-Sunset National Park is demonstrating how conservation outcomes can be achieved while protecting important Aboriginal cultural heritage.
The site, located below Wallpolla Island near Mildura, was once a farming property before becoming part of Murray-Sunset National Park. Read more here. |
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Riverina rabbit control community sessions |
Are rabbits causing chaos on your property? Riverina Local Land Services invites you to attend a local session to discuss current rabbit issues, control options, and coordinated action plans. This is your chance to learn more, ask questions, and contribute to a collective approach to managing rabbit populations in the region. |
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Junee Date: Tuesday, 8 Sept 2026 Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Location: Old Junee Hall |
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| Dirnaseer Date: Thursday 17 Sept 2026
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Location: Dirnaseer Memorial Hall |
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| Marrar Date: Tuesday, 29 Sept 2026 Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Location: Marrar Memorial Hall |
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Rabbits under the shed - Bellarine |
So many of us have some rabbits using sheds, houses, caravans, abandoned trailers for rabbit habitat. Let's catch up to discuss the known tips and tricks that lead to rabbit free success. Date: Saturday 26 September 2026 Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Location: Wallington Primary School |
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Managing rabbits in Chiltern |
Join the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) and Chiltern Landcare Group for an engaging training program designed to empower our community. This demonstration field day will involve rabbit proofing two public buildings in the Chiltern township. The focus will be on demonstrating the techniques to exclude rabbits from under and around public buildings.
Date: Sunday 11 October 2026 Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Location: Chiltern Memorial Hall |
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Drones in agriculture - NSW Training |
Drone technology is transforming agriculture - from precision crop mapping, smarter livestock management and monitoring pest animals. Courses will be held at various locations throughout October, email sharon.leach@dpird.nsw.gov.au. Date: Various dates in October 2026 Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Narrabri, Bathurst, Molong, Coleambally, Wagga Wagga and Boorowa |
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Bird flu and rabbits and scavengers |
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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI, or H5N1 bird flu) is becoming a growing threat to wildlife and agriculture. Human infection is rare, but the virus can spread to other birds and some mammals. Carnivore and scavenger species that feed on birds, such as foxes, cats, pigs and marine mammals, are thought to be at risk of spillover infections due to their feeding behaviours and exposure to infected birds.
Read further 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.
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
Building 101 2/40 Clunies Ross St Acton, ACT 2601 Australia |
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