Études de cas sur la gestionAscension Is.
A combination of ferret/cat control, disease and increased hunting kept the population on Ascension relatively low until recently. However it is thought that the eradication of cats in 2002-2004 released the rabbits from predation pressure which allowed numbers to increase again (Bell & Boyle 2008).
The ultimate goal of rabbit control of Ascension is long term management to reduce the impacts of rabbits on the island.
Bell and Boyle (2008) list the following as practical control methods for rabbits in St Helena: - Trapping
- Shooting
- Repellents
- Rabbit-proof fencing
- Disease (Rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD))
- Poisoning
Bell and Boyle (2008) conclude that the best option for control involves targeted poisoning and trapping and settlements. Even though there is public concern about poisoning and is relatively labour intensive, it is thought to be the most effective control option at present. Intensive control should continue for three to five years, after which long term control programmes should be maintained. Monitoring is essential to measure the effectiveness of control and ensure populations are being kept at a minimum. Public education is also essential.
For the full case study of rabbit control on Ascension Island please follow this link to Management of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) on Ascension: a case study. Bird Is.
An eradication programme for rats, rabbits and mice was undertaken in October 1996, immediately after the majority of sooty tern chicks had left the island. A number of bird species were identified as non-target risks, and it was decided that the three Aldabran giant tortoises (Geochelone gigantea) on the island would be held in captivity throughout the operation. A brodifacoum bait placed in bait stations was used across the island. Masking tape was stretched across the lower portion of the station opening to prevent bait being consumed by other species such as skinks. Hermit crabs were excluded by raising the station 1-2 m off the ground. After the initial knockdown using the bait stations, pelleted bait was broadcast by hand at ten day intervals. By the third week there was no sign of any rabbits. Browns Is. (North Island)
Rabbits were eradicated from Browns Island between 1985 and 1991. Carnac Is. (Western Australian Islands)
In the 1960s, an attempt at eradication was made, using 1080 (sodium monofluroacetate) in oats, but was not successful. In May 1969, another attempt was made, using 1080 in fresh carrots. Clarion Is. (Islas Revillagigedo)
If rabbits, sheep and pigs are eradicated from Clarion Island, the vegetation is likely to recover. However, there are currently small populations of noxious weed species such as Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) and bufflegrass (Cenchrus echinatus) which may spread if released from herbivory. Enderby Island (sub-Antarctic) (New Zealand sub-Antarctic Islands)
The eradication of rabbits and mice in 1993 involved two phases. Two aerial poison drops were carried out, using brodifacoum. This was carried out in February, outside the rabbit breeding season. Follow up was carried out using a rabbit-tracking dog, spotlighting and traps to remove the remaining rabbits. About 1% of the rabbit population did not appear to take any bait. There were some impacts on non-target species - four Auckland Island teal (Anas aucklandica aucklandica) carcasses were found on Enderby Island and three on Rose Island, and approximately two thirds of the Enderby and Rose Islands subantarctic skua (Stercorarius skua lonnburgi) population died, although the population has now recovered. Monitoring in 1994/1995 failed to find any signs of rabbits or mice. Since eradication, the vegetation has shown significant signs of recovery. Green Islets (Western Australian Islands)
Eradication was carried out using 1080 (sodium monofluroacetate) in fresh carrots, with three days of pre-baiting. Kerguelen Is. (sub-Antarctic) (Kerguelen Archipelago (sub-Antarctic)) 
Dès les années 1950, le virus de la myxomatose a été introduit sur la Grande-Terre pour contrôler les populations de lapin (Lésel, 1967 in Chekchak, 2000). Trente années plus tard, le virus était présent sur l’ensemble de l’archipel malgré l’absence de vecteurs. L’impact sur les populations de lapins a été important les premières années mais l’efficacité du virus a rapidement diminué du fait de l’absence de vecteurs et du développement de résistances chez les lapins (Chapuis et al., 1994). En 1987, une puce a été introduite comme vecteur sur une île de l’archipel mais les effets restent limités notamment à cause des anticorps développés par les lapins. Un programme initié en 1992 avait pour objectifs de caractériser les capacités de restauration d’îles dégradées par le lapin et d’analyser les mécanismes de recolonisation des espèces disparues. L’opération a consisté à éliminer par empoisonnement le lapin de 3 îles (île Verte, l’île Guillou et l’île aux Cochons). Le lapin a été éradiqué en 1992 sur l’île Verte, 1994 sur l’île Guillou et 1997 sur l’île aux Cochons (Chapuis et Barnaud, 1995 ; Chapuis et al., 2004). Korapuki Is. (Mercury Islands)
Oryctolagus cuniculus was eradicated from Korapuki Island during 1986-1987. Following this, a number of lizard and invertebrate species have been transferred to the island. Leo Is. (Western Australian Islands)
Eradication was carried out using 1080 (sodium monofluroacetate) in fresh carrots, with three days of pre-baiting. Macquarie Is. (sub-Antarctic)
The Macquarie Island Nature Reserve and World Heritage Area Management Plan 2006 (Parks and Wildlife Service. 2006) identifies the eradication of rabbits, rats and mice from the island as one of the highest conservation priorities in the reserve. The 2006 Macquarie Island Nature Reserve and World Heritage Area Management Plan recommends that until such time as a combined rabbit and rodent eradication program can be undertaken, rabbit control should be continued and given a high priority, and the myxoma virus and other most effective available control methods should be utilised.
Please follow this link to see the just published (March 2007) Plan for the Eradication of Rabbits and Rodents on Subantarctic Macquarie Island
A threat abatement plan has been produced by the Department of Environment and Heritage that is relevant to the management of alien species of Macquarie Island. It is entitled: The Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Feral Rabbits (1999). Morley Is. (Western Australian Islands)
Eradication was carried out using 1080 (sodium monofluroacetate) in fresh carrots, with three days of pre-baiting. Motuihe Is. (North Island)
A poisoning operation was carried out in 1988. Nelson
Feral rabbits and hares (O. cuniculus, Lepus europaeus) are designated as 'Regional surveillance pest' by the the Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Strategy. The strategy has its effect over the combined area that lies within the administrative boundaries of the Tasman District Council and Nelson City Council. The objective of the strategy is to provide advice to land occupiers on the control of feral rabbits and hares. TDC (2001) states "the best management option is to provide advice to land occupiers on the control of Rabbits and Hares". Please see Hierarchy of Plant Designations for an explanation of designation terminology. Norfolk Island
Prior to their eradication, rabbits were the only introduced mammal present. Phoenix Is.
A PII (Pacific Invasives Initiative) supported project was organised to determine the status and distribution of invasive alien species on selected islands in the Phoenix Island Group. Methods used to assess invasive species numbers included rodent and cat trapping, observation of potential invasives, (eg. mynas) and collection of exotic ants and plants. As a result of this survey priorities have been identified for eradication of the invasive mammals. Rose Island (sub-Antarctic) (New Zealand sub-Antarctic Islands)
The eradication of rabbits and mice in 1993 involved two phases. Two aerial poison drops were carried out, using brodifacoum. This was carried out in February, outside the rabbit breeding season. Follow up was carried out using a rabbit-tracking dog, spotlighting and traps to remove the remaining rabbits. About 1% of the rabbit population did not appear to take any bait. There were some impacts on non-target species - four Auckland Island teal (Anas aucklandica aucklandica) carcasses were found on Enderby Island and three on Rose Island, and approximately two thirds of the Enderby and Rose Islands subantarctic skua (Stercorarius skua lonnburgi) population died, although the population has now recovered. Monitoring in 1994/1995 failed to find any signs of rabbits or mice. Since eradication, the vegetation has shown significant signs of recovery. Round Is.
Rabbits were eradicated from Round Island in 1986. Following this eradication, along with the eradication of goats a decade earlier, many plant species (such as Latania, Hyophorbe and Pandanus) increased, the Round Island skink (see Leiolopisma telfairii in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) has also shown an increase. An unforeseen effect of goat and rabbit eradication is the increasing importance of non-native plant species on the structure and composition of the vegetation. Saint Helena
Control of rabbits on St Helena is complicated by interactions with other species on the island such as feral cats and rats. Thus control must be developed as an integrated programme for all three species to maintain the predator-prey balance, i.e. controlling just rabbits may lead to greater predation on endemic wirebirds. At present there is limited control being done which includes use of repellents, trapping/shooting and hunting.
It is also important to have full public support for any control methods carried out.
Bell and Boyle (2008) list the following as practical control methods for rabbits in St Helena:
- Warren destruction
- Trapping
- Fumigation
- Shooting
- Repellents
- Rabbit-proof fencing
- Disease (Rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD))
- Poisoning
Some of these options may be more effective and desirable than others. It is also important to have public support for any control programmes. The public attitude was relatively positive towards rabbits and many liked seeing them about and felt they had little negative effects. In general it was felt that that trapping and shooting rabbits was acceptable but poisoning or disease was not (Bell & Boyle, 2008).
Overall recommendations for control included an increase in traps purchased which would be supplied to local residents and businesses, intensive wider-scale trapping campaigns of rabbits (and feral cats; to maintain predator-prey balance), and encouragement of hunting through removing hunting restrictions in some areas and education. Rabbit proof fencing is recommended in some of the worst affected areas. Research into life history, breeding and behavior of rabbits on St Helena is strongly recommended. This information would enable long-term solutions such as poisoning or RCD to be investigated. Please follow this link for Management of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) on St Helena: a case study. Saint-Paul Is. (sub-Antarctic)
An eradication attempt was made in January 1997, in conjunction with an attempt at eradicating rats. A single aerial drop of brodifacoum bait was used in the dry season. It was thought that rats consumed baits before the rabbits, possibly leaving no available bait to eat. Between February 1997 and February 1999, a total of 71 rabbits were killed using shooting and a dog. A last survey was to be carried out in late 2001 to determine if eradication had been successful. San Benito Este Is.
Rabbits were eradicated using a combination of environmental education and hunting and/or trapping. They were hunted both day and night, using 12 gauge shotguns and .22 calibre rifles. Dogs were used to hunt rabbits, usually during daytime. San Benito Medio Is.
Rabbits were eradicated using a combination of environmental education and hunting and/or trapping. They were hunted both day and night, using 12 gauge shotguns and .22 calibre rifles. Dogs were used to hunt rabbits, usually during daytime. San Benito Oeste Is.
Rabbits were eradicated using a combination of environmental education and hunting and/or trapping. They were hunted both day and night, using 12 gauge shotguns and .22 calibre rifles. Dogs were used to hunt rabbits, usually during daytime. Approximately 400 rabbits were removed over a nine month period. Tasman District
Feral rabbits and hares (O. cuniculus, Lepus europaeus) are designated as 'Regional surveillance pest' by the the Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Strategy. The strategy has its effect over the combined area that lies within the administrative boundaries of the Tasman District Council and Nelson City Council. The objective of the strategy is to provide advice to land occupiers on the control of feral rabbits and hares. TDC (2001) states "the best management option is to provide advice to land occupiers on the control of Rabbits and Hares". Please see Hierarchy of Plant Designations for an explanation of designation terminology. Todos Santos Norte Is.
Rabbits were eradicated using a combination of environmental education and hunting and/or trapping. They were hunted both day and night, using 12 gauge shotguns and .22 calibre rifles. Dogs were used to hunt rabbits, usually during daytime. Todos Santos Sur Is.
Rabbits were eradicated using a combination of environmental education and hunting and/or trapping. They were hunted both day and night, using 12 gauge shotguns and .22 calibre rifles. Dogs were used to hunt rabbits, usually during daytime. Wenderholm Regional Park
Rabbits have been controlled at Wenderholm by a combination of night shooting and poisoning with pindone anticoagulant baits. Wooded Is. (Western Australian Islands)
Eradication was carried out using 1080 (sodium monofluroacetate) in fresh carrots, with three days of pre-baiting.
Ressources pour la gestion/Liens
4. Bell, E. & Boyle, D. 2008. Rabbits on St Helena: assessment and advice on the rabbit situation in St Helena. EU South Atlantic Invasive Species Project. 8. Courchamp, F., Chapuis, J.-L., and Pascal, M. 2003. Mammal invaders on islands: impact, control and control impact. Biological Reviews, 78: 347-383.
Résumé: Comprehensive review of impacts of mammals on islands using rabbits as a case study 9. Flux, J. E. C. 1993. Relative effect of cats, myxomatosis, traditional control, or competitors in removing rabbits from islands. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 20: 13–18. 11. IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)., 2010. A Compilation of Information Sources for Conservation Managers.
Résumé: This compilation of information sources can be sorted on keywords for example: Baits & Lures, Non Target Species, Eradication, Monitoring, Risk Assessment, Weeds, Herbicides etc. This compilation is at present in Excel format, this will be web-enabled as a searchable database shortly. This version of the database has been developed by the IUCN SSC ISSG as part of an Overseas Territories Environmental Programme funded project XOT603 in partnership with the Cayman Islands Government - Department of Environment. The compilation is a work under progress, the ISSG will manage, maintain and enhance the database with current and newly published information, reports, journal articles etc. 12. Kirkpatrick, Win; Amanda Page and Marion Massam, August 2008, European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) risk assessment for Australia. Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia
Résumé: Models for assessing the risk that exotic vertebrates could establish in Australia have been developed for mammals, birds (Bomford 2003; Bomford 2006, 2008), reptiles and amphibians (Bomford 2006, 2008; Bomford et al. 2005). These Risk Assessment models have been further explored by Western Australia Department of Agriculture & Food (DAFWA) to confirm that they reasonably predict public safety, establishment and pest risks across a full range of exotic species and risk levels. Mammals and birds were assessed for the pest risk they pose if introduced to Australia, by calculating Vertebrate Pests Committee (VPC) Threat Categories. These categories incorporate risk of establishing populations in the wild, risk of causing public harm, and risk of becoming a pest (eg causing agricultural damage, competing with native fauna, etc). The 7-factor Australian Bird and Mammal Model was used for these assessments. 14. Merton, D. 1987. Eradication of rabbits from Round Island, Mauritius: a conservation success story. Dodo, Journal of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust 24: 19–44. 17. Miller, C. 2008.Increasing regional capacity to reduce the impacts of invasive species on the South Atlantic United Kingdom Overseas Territories, Volume 2. Interim Report 2, European Commission. 18. Moseby, K.E., De Jong, S., Munro, N. and Pieck, A. 2005. Home range, activity and habitat use of European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in arid Australia: implications for control. Wildlife Research 32: 305-311.
Résumé: In addition to investigating home range and habitat use the authors also investigated how many radio-collared rabbits were killed using different control methods at their home warren. 21. Parks and Wildlife Service. 2006. Macquarie Island Nature Reserve and World Heritage Area Management Plan 2006. Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Hobart. 23. Tasman District Council (TDC) 2001. Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Strategy 24. Tershy, B. R., C. J. Donlan, B. S. Keitt, D. A. Croll, J. A. Sanchez, B. Wood, M. A. Hermosillo, G. R. Howald, and N. Biavaschi., 2002. Island conservation in north-west Mexico: a conservation model integrating research, education and exotic mammal eradication. In Turning the tide: the eradication of invasive species : 293-300. Veitch, C.R. and Clout, M.N.(eds). IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group. IUCN. Gland. Switzerland and Cambridge. UK.
Résumé: Eradication case study in Turning the tide: the eradication of invasive species. 32. Williams 1995. Managing Vertebrate Pests: Rabbits. CSIRO. Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra.
Résumé: A management handbook for rabbits in Australia. Page de résultats: 1
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