Utilization of Appetite for Sodium Salts to Control Rabbit Populations by Poisoning.

Abstract

Rabbits in subalpine areas in south-eastern Australia show a marked avidity for sodium salts during the spring and early summer months. During that period rabbit populations may be controlled by allowing access to soft wooden meranti pegs impregnated with sodium chloride and sodium luoroacetate (poison 1080). If the pegs are left out as permanent bait stations they produce long-term effective control. The method should be applicable to other areas in Australia where soil sodium is very low.