United Against Rabbits: A Rural and Urban Approach
Rabbits may seem harmless at a glance, but their unchecked population growth can have devastating impacts on native ecosystems and productive farmland.
Here in the Upper Clutha, we’ve been working alongside the Maungawera Biodiversity Group (rural-based) and the Beacon Point Restoration Group (urban-based) to tackle this issue head-on in their respective areas. Both groups have been busy with rabbit fencing in priority areas, including native planting zones, as well as targeted rabbit control measures.
The importance of rabbit control
First introduced to Aotearoa NZ in the 1800s, rabbits have become a significant threat to our environment. They are prolific breeders, with rabbits as young as five months old producing up to 50 offspring per year.
One of the most noticeable impacts of rabbits is their extensive burrowing activity. By tunneling underground, rabbits create networks of burrows that weaken the ground’s integrity, causing soil degradation and erosion, as well as leading to increased sediment entering our waterways. Additionally, this activity helps invasive weeds, such as scotch broom and gorse, to flourish over native plants.
Rabbits are also voracious grazers, with ten rabbits eating as much vegetation as one sheep. Their feeding habits prevent the regeneration of native plants reducing biodiversity and weakening the land’s ability to filter pollutants before they reach local waterways.
Another particularly destructive behaviour exhibited by rabbits is ring barking. Ring barking occurs when an animal (in this case, rabbits) gnaw on the bark of young trees around their base, encircling the trunk. This action prevents water and nutrients from reaching the upper portions of the tree, often times killing the plant.
Maungawera Biodiversity Group: collective control
In the Maungawera Valley, rural landowners have come together to form the Maungawera Biodiversity Group, formalising their commitment of working together towards long-term, on-farm environmental projects. Started and supported by WAI, the group has increased its focus from purely water quality to include pest control and native planting.
The group is currently executing a rabbit control plan, after identifying a significant increase in rabbit numbers in the valley, including high concentrations in dryland hills, forested areas, productive farmland and recreation areas.
“A large-scale community rabbit control programme was developed by the group with support from WAI Wānaka to reduce rabbit numbers on the western side of the Maungawera Valley. This has been undertaken in near perfect conditions and landholders are anticipating great results. Follow up control will happen to keep rabbit numbers low.” – Phil Hunt, Maungawera Biodiversity Group
Through funding provided by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for our On-Farm Environmental Support programme, we are able to support groups like the Maungawera Biodiversity Group in their rabbit control efforts, including group facilitation and mahi coordination, as well as a 50% contribution towards rabbit control measures.
Additional funding provided by ORC through the EcoFund has helped further the groups efforts, going towards rigiourous rabbit fencing of priority areas. Landowners of the group are commited to regular checking and maintanence of the new rabbit fencing.
“Future work will include more rabbit control as well as other pests and weeds.” – Phil Hunt, Maungawera Biodiversity Group
Neighbours of Beacon Point: coming together for urban action
In the Beacon Point area, residents have been helping for many years to care for their neighbourhood near Lake Wānaka, including native planting with Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust as part of the Wānaka Water Project (2018-2023). However, frustrations grew as rabbit populations in the area continued to increase, causing significant destruction to the native gardens and green spaces they had been helping to protect and maintain. Ready for change, we reached out to the residents involved to explore how we could support their goals moving forward. Soon after, the Beacon Point Restoration Group was established.
“We’ve been incredibly heartened by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by neighbours of the Beacon Point area. Working together with local organisations and council has been key in driving these restoration efforts forward. Another great step towards increasing biodiversity in out catchment.” – Cat, Community Action Lead at WAI
Currently, The Beacon Point Restoration Group consists of 10 neighbouring households in the Beacon Point area. Their restoration efforts focus on 8 hectares of lakefront land (managed by QLDC), including part of the Outlet walking track and a small wetland maintained by the community. Three main goals have been set by the group: Invasive species control (including rabbits), biodiversity enhancement, and improving water quality via the stormwater entering the lake in their area.
Their efforts (as of August 2024) include:
- Installing rabbit-proof fencing and pedestrian cattle stops with dog flaps at either end of the track, co-funded by the council and residents within the group.
- Fencing the property boundaries of participating residents, with two properties newly fenced as part of this project.
- Planning and implementation of various rabbit control measures within the fenced areas (coordinated and completed by QLDC).
- Installing a trapline with the help of Wānaka Backyard Trapping.
Looking ahead, the group has future plans of additional native riparian planting near their storm drains (with help from Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust), expanding the current wetland area, biodiversity monitoring and engaging the wider community. A working bee, in collaboration with ORC, QLDC, Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust and the Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group, is set for the 21st of September. Keep an eye on our events page for more information.
Taking steps towards a ‘bushier’, pest-free future
The challenges associated with effective rabbit control and biodiversity enhancement can often feel overwhelming. However, the dedicated efforts of groups such as the Maungawera Biodiversity Group and the Beacon Point Restoration Group remind us that working together is key when it comes to making a difference.
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” – Edward Everett Hale
To learn more about our rural initiatives here at WAI, including our On-farm Environmental Support programme, click here.
To learn more about our urban catchment project, click here.
We wish to thank MPI, ORC, QLDC, Otago Catchment Community Inc, Otago Community Trust, and Patagonia NZ for supporting our work with local groups, as well as local organisations Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, Wānaka Backyard Trapping, the Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group and the Wānaka Community Workshop for their mahi in this space.