Tasmanian landholders and community members now have a new way to report rabbit activity, with the launch of an online reporting tool designed to support future calicivirus release planning.
The form, introduced by Biosecurity Tasmania through the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, allows people across the state to log rabbit infestations or register interest in a potential calicivirus release on their property when conditions are suitable.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water Gavin Pearce said the information gathered will help authorities prepare for a targeted and effective deployment of the virus, which is used as one part of broader rabbit control efforts.
“The form will ask for the number of rabbits seen, property details, and any control techniques landholders are already using,” he said.
Rabbit populations remain a long-running challenge in many rural and peri-urban areas, damaging crops, native vegetation and farmland. While biological controls such as calicivirus have played a role in reducing numbers in the past, experts and government agencies continue to stress that no single method can solve the problem on its own.
Minister Pearce noted that calicivirus is only one tool available and works best when combined with other control measures such as warren ripping, shooting, exclusion fencing and habitat removal.
“It’s important that we remember there’s no silver bullet to managing our rabbit populations,” he said.
Calicivirus releases are seasonal and depend heavily on environmental conditions, meaning timing and preparation are key. Biosecurity Tasmania says the data collected through the new tool will support planning ahead of the release window, helping to identify hotspots and coordinate action with landholders.
Community participation is expected to be central to the program’s effectiveness, as rabbit control often requires coordinated effort across neighbouring properties rather than isolated action.
Reports can be made and further information found through the NRE Tas website at www.nre.tas.gov.au/rabbits.
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