The population of wild rabbits in an area south-west of Brisbane has decreased due to drought and a virus, bringing relief for farmers.
Conducted by the Darling Downs Moreton Rabbit Board, a survey of the Dalveen area found that 14,000 rabbits were born in the area each month, but rabbit numbers are now at their lowest in 30 years.
Local grazier John Gross said that “these rabbits have come in and just decimated the place and it's affected my income”.
Now that calicivirus and the drought have decreased numbers by 75%, Mr Gross said “it should improve the carrying capacity [of the paddocks] a hell of a lot I reckon”.
Image: QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries/Pete Elsworth
