Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings collection

 

Title

RABBIT BEHAVIOR RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA AND ITS RELEVANCE IN CONTROL OPERATIONS

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

March 1974

Research in Australia on the behavior of wild rabbits has provided a basis for improvements in the tactics and strategy of control.

As the warren is a central focus for growth and survival of a population, a program for effective control or eradication should a i m at making the warren unavailable to rabbits.

Enclosure studies of behavior suggested that poisoning would be much more effective when carried out in the non-breeding season. This has been confirmed in field trials.

The behavioral importance of the odor-producing inguinal , submandibular, and anal glands is emphasized. It is suggested that further studies of these glands may provide insights for the development of repellents or attractants.