More than 200 million rabbits overwhelm Australia as pest control faces cuts
Rabbit numbers are rising across Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT. The federal government's main control program awaits a funding decision.
Why it matters
Without effective control, rabbit damage to native species and farms will keep growing. This will cost agriculture and ecosystems more each year.
In Australia. Australian farmers, conservation efforts and native wildlife depend on the federal program's continuation and fresh biocontrol tools to stop further losses.
Key facts
- 200 million
- rabbit population
- 322
- species threatened
- $200 million
- annual farm damage
- $2.6 million
- biocontrol research
- Australia is home to more than 200 million rabbits that threaten 322 native species.
- Rabbits destroy $200 million worth of farmland and habitat every year.
- A government report shows their numbers and damage have barely moved in five years.
- Populations are climbing in Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT.
- The Established Pest Animals and Weeds program is designed to tackle invasive species.
- It didn't get funding in the latest federal budget.
- A decision on whether the program continues is expected next year.
- Biocontrol has worked before.
- But rabbits are building up resistance to existing viruses.
- The government has invested $2.6 million in new biocontrol research.
- However, more money is needed to finish the job.
