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Rabbit Control for Acreage and Farms

Night shooting as part of an integrated rabbit management program

European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) cause substantial pasture loss, soil erosion and vegetation damage across SE Queensland acreage and farm properties. An adult rabbit consumes roughly the same amount of pasture as one DSE (dry sheep equivalent), and on some properties large warrens support populations that cause ongoing and significant economic loss. Thermal shooting at night is an effective suppression tool, particularly when coordinated with warren destruction or fumigation programs.

Signs of Activity

  • Warrens and burrows in banks, hillsides, rocky outcrops and open ground
  • Overgrazing and bare patches radiating outward from warren entrances
  • Scattered droppings (small round pellets) in high concentrations near warrens
  • Dust scrapes and flattened earth around burrow entrances
  • Gnawing damage on woody plants, tree seedlings and fence posts
  • Rapid regrowth browse-lines on shrubs and young trees at rabbit height

Damage to Land and Livestock

  • Pasture loss — significant grazing competition, especially in dry conditions
  • Soil erosion and land degradation around large warren complexes
  • Crop and seedling damage — vegetables, young trees and revegetation plantings
  • Damage to earthworks and dam walls from burrowing
  • Slow or failed revegetation of disturbed areas due to ongoing browsing pressure
  • Competition with native wildlife for habitat and pasture resources

Legal Status in Queensland

Rabbits are listed as a restricted invasive animal in Queensland under the Biosecurity Act 2014. The General Biosecurity Obligation requires landholders to take reasonable and practical control measures. Active management is expected in most rural areas, and local governments may enforce obligations in declared management areas. Coordinated programs across neighbouring properties are encouraged, particularly for large and connected warren systems.

When Thermal Control Works Well

  • Rabbits emerge to graze at night and are reliably detected by thermal imaging in open paddocks
  • Population suppression before or after warren destruction programs extends the effect of ground works
  • Reduces immediate grazing pressure during revegetation or drought recovery periods
  • Night operations can cover large open areas efficiently
  • Useful to identify warren locations and active colony sizes prior to scheduling ground works

Limitations to Consider

  • Shooting alone is not sufficient for sustained rabbit control — warren destruction or fumigation is essential for lasting results
  • Rabbits that retreat underground cannot be targeted by thermal at night
  • Dense scrub or blackberry limits open paddock encounter rates
  • Best used as a component of an integrated program, not as the primary control method

What Your GPS Report Includes

  • GPS-logged encounter and cull locations
  • Cull count per night with active warren location notes
  • Open grazing area coverage and estimated activity level
  • Recommendations for warren destruction or fumigation follow-up

What Landholders Need to Prepare

  • Property maps showing known warren locations to help direct effort
  • Livestock locations for the operation nights
  • Gate access details
  • Written landholder authority via our intake form

Rabbit pressure on your property?

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