Oct. 2, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 689 



Some Aspects of the Rabbit Problem* 



C. J. WOOLLETT, Stock Inspector, Tamworth. 



Nearly everyone who knows anything of the rabbit problem is agreed that 

 the best means of coping with the pest are tbe use of wire netting, digging 

 out, and destruction of harbour. Regarding wire netting, its cost is now so 

 high that its general use is prohibitive, except to those who are comfortably 

 off. Digging out is expensive, and in many places this work is impracticable. 

 Burning harbour is a satisfactory method, aod, generally speaking, is cheap. 

 But the wholesale destruction of fallen timber will bring many landholders 

 face to face with another problem, viz., the supply of firewood for domestic 

 purposes. Therefore this work should be done with discretion. 



Gi'anted that the three methods already mentioned are the best, the 

 limitations of their application force many people to resort to two other 

 methods, namely, trapping and poisoning. 



In many places there is a very decided objection to trapping, and various 

 reasons have been given. For the purpose of inquiring into the soundness 

 of some of the objections to trapping, I made a number of investigations, 

 and, besides, sent a circular letter to over 400 landholders in this district, 

 asking them to keep records of the sexes of the rabbits trapped or poisoned. 

 It is disappointing to find only a few searchers after truth in a subject that 

 has caused so much discussion and diversity of opinion ; comparatively very 

 few bothered to take any interest in the matter. A number of correspondents, 

 however, went to considerable trouble and carefully kept records, whik^ a 

 number replied, giving opinions which were interesting, but of little use for 

 the purpose of my inquiry. 



If we are to handle the rabbit problem intelligently, we must approach it 

 with an open mind, and be prepared to abandon preconceived ideas, if 

 evidence is adduced which indicates that conclusions based on wrong premises 

 have been arrived at. 



It is frequently stated that trappers catch many more bucks than does, 

 and, therefore, by some theory, it is assumed that it leads to more prolific 

 breeding by the does, as they are not worried by so many males. If the 

 statement was correct that the trappers do catch more males than females, 

 there would be no justification for the assumption that trapping conduces to 

 freer breeding, and, therefore, an increase of the pest. There is no reason, 

 except when the does are breeding, why trappers should try to catch more 

 males than females. The same price is paid for the carcase of a doe as for 

 that of a buck at the freezing works; when trapping is carried on for 

 the skins only, the skins of dry rabbits are the best, but there is little 

 difference between the value of a buck skin and of a dry doe. 



