There seems to have been a lot of feral rabbits around this year, on verges and in backyards across the Fleurieu, as well as invading rural properties. 

Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu will hold a series of rabbit management days in February and March, where landholders can purchase treated carrots at a special rate. 

Bookings are available now at a town near you, with sessions planned for Mount Barker, Mylor, Goolwa, Strathalbyn, Summertown and Willunga from 7 to 17 February and 21 to 31 March.

Susan Ivory, Team Leader Pests and Land, says with an increase in rabbit numbers, now is the ideal time to take action. 

"Increasing feral rabbit populations have been reported across the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula following a wet spring and milder summer. 

“We have listened to feedback from local landholders and planned a series of management days to provide convenience and accessibility for the whole region. 

“This year, we will distribute pindone treated carrots in February, and will follow up with the option of purchasing more pindone carrots or K5 calicivirus treated carrots in March. 

“We have six pickup locations available and are able to offer a discounted rate as the program is subsidised through the Landscape Levy.” 

Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu used information from the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, with additional help from Dr David Peacock, to refine the timing and order of bait and virus distribution this year. 

“Feral rabbits are an incredibly destructive pest in our region. They pose a massive threat to biodiversity, agriculture and overall landscape health - overgrazing pasture and crops, causing erosion, preventing regeneration of native vegetation and impacting vulnerable ecosystems,” Susan Ivory says. 

“We have redesigned our approach to be in line with best practice to provide an effective control program for landholders and are confident it will maximise results and efficiency. 

“As always, we encourage neighbours to plan their programs together because it really takes an integrated approach for the best results. 

“Properties must be over 1000m2 to use pindone and it’s important to register early so you can prepare a ‘free-feed’ cycle 9 to 10 days before baiting. 

“We have had a fantastic response to these days over the last two years and we are expanding them into new towns based on community feedback and demand. 

“Pindone treated carrots are very effective in summer when rabbits are looking for moist feed and following up with the virus, which has a knockdown rate of up to 40 per cent, is a good strategy. It’s also really important to remove shelters and destroy warrens where possible.” 

Visit the website or scan the QR code to see dates and locations for collection dates across the region and to register. The site also has information, fact sheets and videos explaining how to lay the treated carrots. 

Above: Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu is hosting a series of rabbit management days across the region to help landholders manage escalating rabbit populations.