Bait used to control feral rabbits in Geraldton Chapman River Regional Park

A campaign using bait to remove unwanted feral rabbits in Chapman River Regional Park and protect its flora will start on Monday. City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said visitors to the park had raised concerns about the damage feral rabbits were inflicting on native vegetation. “The Chapman River Regional Park is one of the few remaining quality stands of remnant vegetation in this area and we need to act to protect the flora from all feral insects and animals, including rabbits,” he said. “Unfortunately, these rabbits are not just confined to the park. The surrounding land also supports large populations which poses an ongoing issue for all the landholders in the area.” The city said the baiting product to be used was Pindone, an anticoagulant poison similar to ingredients used in rat and rodent control baits. It said the baiting product was “a lower risk to humans and pets” than baits used in broadacre rabbit control. “Signage and advertising will alert residents and visitors that baiting is in progress, however it is the responsibility of visitors to the park and surrounding landholders to manage their pets carefully during the baiting period,” Mr McKim said. The bait will be put out only at night when rabbits are most active in a bid to reduce the risk to non-target species such as native fauna and pets. To help reduce the risk to non-targeted wildlife and pets that may come in contact with dead rabbits, residents in the area should bury any carcasses they may find on their properties. An antidote to Pindone is available from veterinarians. For more information about regional rabbit baiting or feral animal control initiatives, call the city on 9956 6600.