City of Greater Geraldton to roll out stage two of its rabbit control program using baits over next two weeks

Stage two of the City of Greater Geraldton’s rabbit culling program will be launched on Friday, targeting city land and reserves with the biggest feral populations. Under the Integrated Rabbit Control Program, the Chapman River Regional Park, Community Nursery and Tom Muir Arboretum in Strathalbyn will be the focus of the two-week baiting program from Friday, April 4. Warren fumigation and destruction will also take place in the Chapman River Regional Estuary and parts of the Chapman River Regional Park. Community members are urged to undertake their rabbit control programs at the same time in a bid to ensure the biggest reduction in population. City CEO Ross McKim said the pests can cause severe environmental damage if left uncontrolled. “Rabbits impact our environment by competing with native animals for food and habitat, they damage our native flora and cause soil erosion in our bush reserves,” he said. “The Chapman River Regional Park is one of the few remaining quality stands of remnant vegetation in the area and we need to protect it for future generations.” Mr McKim said signage and advertising would alert the community that rabbit baiting was in progress. “However, it is the responsibility of surrounding landholders and visitors to the park to manage their pets carefully while the program is being delivered,” he said. 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. Although it poses a lower risk to humans and pets than the bait used in broad acre rabbit control, an antidote is available from veterinarians. The bait will only be put out at night when rabbits are most active. Nearby landowners are encouraged to bury any rabbit carcasses to avoid non-target species consuming them. For more information contact the city on 9956 6600 or visit their website.