Win for rabbit control in Cumberland LHPA
Thousands of rabbits have been baited and hectares of harbour destroyed in recent rabbit control projects in the Hawkesbury Nepean region in a cooperative effort by the Cumberland and Tablelands Livestock Health and Pest Authorities and the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
The successful control projects were undertaken across four areas, including the Richmond and Campbelltown UWS campuses, Mount Annan Botanic Gardens and 500 hectares of private land around Hill Top and Bargo.
Charles Signorelli, ranger with the Cumberland LHPA, says that the combined approach of baiting and harbour destruction was critical to the project’s success, which saw over 5000 rabbits controlled.
"The project involved removing several hectares of blackberry, other woody weeds and timber piles which were providing rabbits in these areas with harbour, as well as pre and post baiting inspections over 1500 hectares," Mr Signorelli said.
"Harbour destruction is critical in rabbit control – if harbour such as blackberry and timber piles are not destroyed immediately after a poisoning program is completed, rabbits will quickly reinfest the area."
Mr Signorelli says there were enormous benefits in taking a coordinated approach to controlling pest animals.
"Rangers, CMA officers and landholders worked together to implement consistent and widespread pest animal control in these areas," Mr Signorelli said.
"The cooperation of the 20 landholders involved was vital to the success of the project."
Hawkesbury Nepean CMA catchment coordinator, Paul Bennett says the reduction in rabbit numbers in these areas will greatly benefit the biodiversity of the region, as well as local landholders and the broader community.
"This project involved the LHPAs working with the Hawkesbury Nepean CMA to assist our work in regenerating the endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland and to protect drainage corridors in the area," Mr Bennett said.
Media contact: Suzie Robinson 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378