A RABBIT baiting program has begun in south Canberra, to target a loss of vegetation. 

The program will target the Hughes area from next week, with help from Territory and Municipal Services and the Federal Golf Course.

Ranger in Charge of ACT Parks and Conservation Service David Dobroszczyk says the rabbits will be controlled using Pindone poisoned carrots placed inside a small cage, a method which is widely used throughout Australia to control rabbit populations within the urban environment.

“This program is vital to prevent rabbit overgrazing, which results in the loss of vegetation and threatens native wildlife,” David says.

“Rabbits contribute to eating down the ground layer vegetation so it no longer provides food and shelter for various other species such as reptiles and ground feeding birds.

“If left uncontrolled the rabbit population will continue to invade the surrounding area, including backyards, causing damage to the environment and private property.”

Mr Dobroszczyk said while it is extremely unlikely a dog would consume a toxic dose of Pindone, dog owners are encouraged to keep their dogs on lead when walking through the area between Hughes and the golf course on the Red Hill Nature Reserve. The program will be completed by the end of March 2014.

“Information signs will be placed in the area surrounding the Pindone placement to alert the public of its presence. People in the area who have domestic rabbits are also advised to keep them secure in their yards as the poison bait may be lethal to them,” he says.

For further information on the rabbit control program, please contact Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.