Rabbit Alliance Programme
By 2022 the farmland around the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre had become infested with rabbits.
Several warm winters and abundant feed had resulted in large litters that multiplied at a rate never seen before.
Urgent action was required.
The Programme
The high rabbit numbers, in turn, attract mustelids and feral cats, predators that present a threat to New Zealand’s endangered bird species.
The impacts of this rabbit infestation compromise the conservation work undertaken at Pūkaha.
The Pūkaha Rabbit Alliance Programme, led by Rhys Watkins, is a crucial initiative for the reduction of pest and predator pressure, and is funded by the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) Jobs for Nature.
The Area
This project includes ground control of rabbits around the 3200ha pastoral “buffer zone” surrounding Pūkaha, extending also into the 942ha of Conservation Land of Pūkaha.
Generally, rabbits prefer a dry arid environment; however the soil type in the higher areas of the buffer zone is free-draining and despite the high rainfall (>2500mm/yr), rabbit infestations have been a common occurrence over the years.
Progress
Over the past three years, the programme has successfully reduced the rabbit population, completing a large-scale knockdown period utilizing Pindone-soaked carrots as a primary control method.
Pre- and post-monitoring data was submitted to Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, resulting in a relative reduction (across 3000 hectares controlled) of 50,460 rabbits with an additional 15,000 rabbits removed via targeted shooting.
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Year One:
- Area Sampled: 32.8ha of 1000ha control area
- Rabbits Pre-Control: 39.6 per ha (approx. 39,500 total for 1000ha)
- Rabbits Post-Control: 2.6 per ha (approx. 2600 total)
- Reduction: 37 rabbits per ha
Totalling approx. 37,000 rabbits removed
Year Two:
- Area Sampled: 96.27ha of 2000ha control area
- Rabbits Pre-Control: 7.4 per ha (approx. 14,800 total)
- Rabbits Post-Control: 0.67 per ha (approx. 1340 total)
- Reduction: 6.73 rabbits per ha
Totalling approx. 13,460 rabbits removed.
A further 15,000 rabbits were removed with targeted shooting.
Note: 7-10 rabbits consume the same feed as one ewe.
Sponsors
The Future
This programme has positively impacted both the wildlife and the surrounding community.
Rabbits are a primary food source for mustelids, which pose a major threat to our taonga species here at Pūkaha and across Aotearoa. With fewer rabbits available as a food source, fewer young mustelids can survive, further supporting the overall pest control efforts and limiting the impact of these predators on vulnerable native species.
With the Jobs for Nature funding set to end in June 2025, mahi is underway to provide a sustainable solution for the longevity of the programme.
Although no official agreement has been reached yet, there is hope that with the collaboration of the community, Pūkaha, and DOC, this essential work will continue supporting the breeding and growth of native wildlife.
You can help!
If you’re interested in supporting this vital programme,
please contact Rhys on XXXXXXXX for more details, or contact Pūkaha.