Using technology to track rabbits
Published on 22 September 2015
New technology is being rolled out across our region to help stop the spread of rabbits.
Rabbit Scan is a mapping program which allows landholders to record the location of active rabbit warrens using their mobile phones, uploading valuable data to help in the control of this pest animal.
Mildura Rural City Council's Environmental Sustainability portfolio Councillor Judi Harris claims rabbits are one of Australia’s most destructive pest animals causing hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of damage to farm land each year.
“Rabbit control is a serious problem in our region,” Cr Harris said. “We need a collaborative approach from government, environmental groups and landholders to combat this problem and Rabbit Scan is a great tool to help map where these pests are.”
The Rabbit Scan program will allow people to pinpoint where they are finding burrows and rabbit problems. This allows for targeted and more effective control with the community working together to implement programs where they are most needed.
To help people get involved in the program and to encourage reporting, Peter West from the Invasive Animals Co-operative Research Centre will be hosting a launch and training session of Rabbit Scan in Ouyen next week.
“Council’s Roadside Invasive Plants and Animals Working Group, Landcare members and representatives from surrounding local government areas will all be in attendance at the meeting. We really want to see lots of landholders and community members come along as well,” Cr Harris said.
“The feral and pest animal problem affects everyone in the community and you don’t have to be a farmer to get involved in the mapping program.”
The Rabbit Scan program has been funded by the Mallee Landcare Group and Mallee Catchment Management Authority, with the launch and training session will be held on Tuesday 29 September at the Ouyen Football Club rooms from 10am.
Further information about this session is available by contacting Council’s Roadside Management Officer, Joanne Robinson on (03) 5018 8100 or at joanne.robinson@mildura.vic.gov.au Details about Rabbit Scan are also available online at www.rabbitscan.org.au/mallee
ENDS
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Angela Umback
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e) angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au