Rabbit control
Rabbits are a declared pest in the ACT. Control operations aim to keep rabbit populations below a density where they can cause significant harm to the environment. For more information see the Biosecurity (Pests) Declaration 2025.
Rabbit control is carried out by qualified, certified contractors. Works mostly take place at night.
Locations of upcoming rabbit control works are updated on this page and in the weekly update.
As rabbit control operations take place at night when the areas are not in use by the public, closures are not usually necessary.
Methods
Rabbit populations have increased considerably in some nature reserves and urban areas across Canberra. Known rabbit populations are monitored. This data is collected and analysed to inform rabbit control techniques in each location.
A range of rabbit control techniques are used, including:
- fumigation
- shooting pellets by air rifle
- destruction of rabbit warrens.
Safety
Rabbit control operations are undertaken in line with the national Model Code of Practice for the Humane Control of Rabbits and the Best Practice Management Guide for Rabbits in the ACT (PDF 1.2 MB).
Rabbit remains will be removed from the area at the time of the operations and buried at the landfill site.
If a member of the public comes across rabbit remains in the area, they are advised to not touch it.
Outcomes
No control program achieves 100% removal of rabbits. The aim of rabbit control operations is to reduce the populations in these areas to low levels to prevent any remaining rabbits from rapidly breeding.
Follow up assessments are undertaken after the operations. This helps to determine the effectiveness of the control program and determine whether any follow up action is required.
