Foxes and rabbits

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Foxes and rabbits are both declared as established pest animals in Victoria under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Under the Act, landowners are responsible for the control of foxes and rabbits on their land.

Since their introduction to Australia in the 1870s, foxes have become a major threat to Australia’s environment and economy, with a total annual cost estimated at $227 million. Foxes cause significant economic losses by preying on newborn lambs, kid goats and poultry, and cause significant environmental damage by predating on native animals. Foxes can cause nuisance in urban areas by attacking backyard chickens, raiding garbage bins and scavenging for food.

Rabbits also pose considerable environmental and economic impacts. They graze on native vegetation, crops and pastures, and can prevent seedlings from regenerating and reduce crop yields, as well as increase competition for feed with livestock. Rabbits damage native plants and directly compete with native wildlife for food and shelter. Their digging and browsing leads to a loss of vegetation cover, which can result in soil erosion.

What are we doing to control foxes and rabbits?

The Shire controls foxes and rabbits on shire-managed land as part of our biodiversity conservation programs. The primary aim of fox and rabbit control is to protect threatened species which inhabit our bushland reserves. Some of the threatened species we are working to protect include:

  • Southern Brown Bandicoot
  • White-footed Dunnart
  • Swamp Skink
  • Australasian Bittern

What can you do to control foxes and rabbits on your property?

Foxes are widespread across urban and rural areas, with as many as 12 foxes per square kilometre. A fox removed from its territory will quickly be replaced with another, so it is often better to eliminate their sources of food and shelter, rather than attempt to remove them.

Some simple things you can do to deter foxes include:

  • Lock up chickens, ducks, guinea pigs and pet rabbits in a roofed and robust enclosure at night
  • Clean up food scraps, dog bones, pet food and excess fruit dropped by fruit trees
  • Cover your compost heap or use a compost bin
  • Restrict access to underneath your house where foxes like to shelter.

Rabbits impact mostly rural areas, though sometimes spread to urban areas causing damage to gardens and buildings. Rabbits reproduce quickly and their numbers can vary greatly depending on available food and shelter. Eliminating or reducing shelter can be one of the more effective means of control.

Some actions you can undertake to reduce rabbits include:

  • Reduce shelter by restricting access under houses and sheds, and uplifting thick vegetation
  • Backfill warrens and monitor regularly to address re-openings
  • Install rabbit proof fencing to protect garden beds and newly planted trees
  • Fencing is also a good way to block access to under the house
  • Engage a licensed pest animal controller to undertake warren fumigation and baiting.

The Shire doesn’t provide a fox or rabbit control service for private property.

If you want to engage a licensed pest animal controller to undertake fox or rabbit control on your property, the Vertebrate Pest Management Association Australia website can help you find a controller in your area.

Effective control of foxes and rabbits at a landscape scale requires an ongoing, integrated approach. We encourage landowners to work together, as an area-wide program will be far more successful than individuals working alone at different times.

Further information

For further information on pest animal management, see the Pest Smart website.

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