Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2017L00031:body:0:p13
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2017L00031
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 37217–40621

in maintaining populations of native species, including predators, are published.   Researchers, Government and land managers

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Land managers are able to implement more effective pest management.

Objective 3 – Improve the effectiveness of rabbit control programs

In order to reduce the impact of rabbits on native biodiversity and ecosystems, the use, improvement and development of control tools and programs is of high importance. However, as improving the effectiveness of control programs and control methods (particularly biocontrol agents) or developing new tools can take many years, it is imperative that strategic research and development of more effective and efficient or new techniques is begun prior to any significant increases in rabbit numbers (Saunders et al. 2010; Cox et al. 2013).
In order to improve the effectiveness of rabbit control programs, we also need to understand the impact that control activities are having in the field. As such, surveillance and monitoring of control activities and their effect on rabbits, including abundance, will be critical in providing information for future management actions. This will include research into, and the development of, additional control measures and use of new biocontrol agents. The research should include the goal of improving the animal welfare of the rabbits with the control tools.
Key actions for Objective 3 therefore include: improving conventional control options and tools for land managers; improving the coordination of monitoring and surveillance of rabbit control programs; continuing research into new biocontrol and other novel control options; and increasing the adoption of standard operating procedures.

Action 3.1 seeks to support ongoing research to ensure conventional management options are effective, target specific and humane. This includes supporting the development of more humane baits and conventional control methods — for example, the development of a humane carbon monoxide warren fumigator by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre. The development of further control tools is expected to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and humaneness of control programs. It may also reduce potential impacts on both the environment and non-target species.

Actions 3.2 to 3.5 focus on maximising the effectiveness of rabbit biocontrol programs through understanding interactions and evolutions of rabbit viruses, their optimal use, investigating the use of new viruses, and developing and registering new biocontrol agents/products. This includes increasing our understanding of how, and under what circumstances, the endemic RHD virus (RCV-A1) — which is found in cool and wet areas of Australia — interacts with the current RHDV strains and helps provide immunity. Given the effectiveness of biocontrol agents in reducing rabbit numbers and in helping to protect threatened species, these actions are considered of high priority and will require a long-term and ongoing commitment. Through developing a greater understanding of the rabbit biocontrol viruses, including behaviours and