will be critical in such eradication programs to avoid unexpected consequences and to ensure their success. Performance indicators Regional priority for rabbit control are determined. Rabbits maintained at below threshold (0.5 rabbits per hectare) levels in identified priority areas. Landscape scale control programs are implemented and monitored at regional levels. Eradication of rabbits on islands is successful where this is attempted. Action Priority and timeframe Outcome Output Responsibility 1.1. Prioritise areas on a regional scale (NRM, catchment level), for: a) their conservation value b) the potential for successful regeneration or rehabilitation of the species, and c) the degree of threat from rabbits. *Prioritisation should consider a of factors (examples in the text above), including economic decision models. High priority, short term Key species and ecological communities are prioritised for protection and management Measurable reduction in the impact of rabbits on key species and ecological communities. Linkages to recovery plans (where available). State governments, NRM and catchment groups 1.2. Continue to develop and implement cost effective and coordinated management programs across all land tenures, including areas. High priority, medium term Coordinated and targeted action by land managers. Landscape scale management plans are adopted and implemented. Measurable recovery in threatened species and ecological communities. Rabbit numbers are reduced to less than 0.5 rabbits per hectare in priority areas. State governments, NRM and catchment groups, land managers and friends groups
2.1 Continue research into understanding the contribution of rabbits in maintaining feral cat, fox and wild dog numbers in different landscapes, and any potential effects of modifying pest predator populations (e.g. prey switching, decline in native species) High priority, medium term A clear and greater understanding of how management programs can influence rabbit and pest predator populations. Research papers and reports on the interaction between rabbits and pest predators are published. Land managers are able to implement more integrated management programs for rabbits and other pest species without potential perverse environmental outcomes. Researchers, Government and land managers 2.2 Increase understanding of the correlation between rabbits and weed species and the benefits of integrating their management Medium priority, medium term A greater understanding of correlations between rabbit and weed control Research papers and reports on correlations between rabbits and weeds are published. Land managers are able to implement more effective and targeted pest management. Researchers, Government and land managers 2.3 Continue research into understanding the contribution of rabbits to the diet and abundance of native species. High priority, medium term A clear and greater understanding of whether rabbit management programs affect the abundance of native predators Research papers and reports on the role or rabbits in maintaining populations of native predators are published. Land managers are able to implement more effective and targeted pest management. Researchers, Government and land managers
reduce rabbit numbers. Biocontrol agents made available. 3.3 Develop and register new biocontrol agents and products. High priority, long term and ongoing Measurable and continued reduction in the number of rabbits through use of biocontrol agents. Additional biocontrol agents are available to registered land managers. Government and product manufacturers. 3.4 Increase understanding of the seasonal patterns of and its interaction with RHDV. High priority, long term A clear understanding of the interaction between and RHDV. Research papers and reports on RCV-A1 and its interaction with RHDV are published. Future biocontrol research takes into account, and aims to reduce interactions of RCV-A1 with RHDV. Researchers and Government 3.5 Increase understanding of the long term effect of evolution and genetic resistance to biocontrol agents. Medium priority, long term A clear understanding of the virus’ evolution and role in genetic resistance. Research papers and reports on virus evolution and its role in genetic resistance are published. Future biocontrol programs are strengthened by taking account of the rate of evolution and development of genetic resistance. Researchers 3.6 Conduct pre and post monitoring to determine success of biocontrol releases across a range of landscapes High priority, medium term Biocontrol agents continue to be effective in reducing rabbit numbers and their impact A clear understanding of the effectiveness, or otherwise, of each biocontrol agent release, and its environmental impacts. Government, researchers and land managers
Scientific name Common name EPBC Act listing status Acacia araneosa Spidery Wattle, Balcanoona Wattle Vulnerable Acacia ataxiphylla subsp. magna Large-fruited Tammin Wattle Endangered Acacia auratiflora Orange-flowered Wattle Endangered Acacia awestoniana Stirling Wattle Vulnerable Acacia caerulescens Limestone Blue Wattle, Buchan Blue, Buchan Blue Wattle Vulnerable Acacia carneorum Needle Wattle, Dead Finish, Purple-wood Wattle Vulnerable Acacia cretacea Chalky Wattle Endangered Acacia curranii Curly-bark Wattle Vulnerable Acacia enterocarpa Jumping-jack Wattle Endangered Acacia glandulicarpa Hairy-pod Wattle Vulnerable Acacia insolita subsp. recurva Yornaning Wattle Endangered Acacia latzii Latz's Wattle Vulnerable Acacia lobulata Chiddarcooping Wattle Endangered Acacia peuce Waddy, Waddi, Waddy-wood, Birdsville Wattle Vulnerable Acacia phasmoides Phantom Wattle Vulnerable Acacia pickardii Birds Nest Wattle Vulnerable Acacia pinguifolia Fat-leaved Wattle Endangered Acacia rhamphophylla Kundip Wattle Endangered Acacia rhetinocarpa Neat Wattle, Wattle (SA) Vulnerable Acacia sciophanes Wundowlin Wattle, Wattle Endangered Acacia subflexuosa subsp. capillata Hairy-stemmed Zig-Zag Wattle Endangered Acacia terminalis subsp. terminalis MS Sunshine Wattle Endangered Acacia vassalii Vassal's Wattle Endangered Acacia volubilis Tangled Wattle, Tangle Wattle Endangered Acanthocladium dockeri Spiny Everlasting, Spiny Daisy Critically Endangered