Rabbit control
(ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS)
HISTORY
Rabbits first appeared around 60 million years ago in eastern Aisa, centred on Mongolia and China. The descent to modern rabbits is unclear, as a number of ancestral lines have been proposed. Possibilities include insect eaters or tree-living shrews. Rabbits are now found in most regions of the world
HABITATS
Rabbits tend to inhabit grassland/meadows and heaths, woodland. They are common in parks golf courses and railway embankments, and in gardens where they burrow under trees or sheds. The burrows systems are known as "warrens" and can reach grate size.Where numbers are less, single burrows can occur, but these do not cause as many problems to humans as the larger warren systems . In large populations, numbers can reach at least 100 per hectare.
Where only a few rabbits are present, they tend to form pairs; above this the males tend to run a "harem" system where each buck can have as many as 6 does.
Dominant rabbits select the best burrows near the centre of the warren, with subordinate individuals being found futher towards the edges.
Rabbits will forage up to 500m from the warren, or even futher where vegetation is sparse. They feed principally on grass, but also enjoy roots, new shoots and young bark - it is true that carrots are a particular favourite!
Evidence of rabbits
The presence of rabbits is usually straighforward to establish.As well of sightings of the animals themselves, you should look for warrens, scrapes, droppings, runs, and gnawing
Mating
The potential speed of rabbit breeding is legendary.Mating occurs throughout the year but most litters are born between february through to august/september.Obviously those born earlier in season are more likely to survive the winter. When conditions are adverse, young foetuses can be re-absorbed by the mother.
Litters and biological development
The gestation period is between 28-31 days with an average litter of 5, although up to a dozen is not uncommon.
Birth takes place within the warren or up a blind tunnel known as a "dig" or "breeding stop". The young are both blind and naked when born, but develop quickly, with the eyes opening after 10 days. The mother (doe) may only visit the young once a day to suckle as a precaution against predators. The male( buck) rabbit protect the youngsters, even if they are not thier own, from aggression by females who have been known to attack and kill strange infants.Young rabbits develop quickly reaching sexual maturity in just under 4 months. Females can produce up to five litters a year leading to potential population explosions
Rabbits can be controled in different ways
Gassing
Ferreting
Traping
Fencing
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