The Impact of Rabbit Control on Predator Sightings in the Semi-Arid High Country of the South Island, New Zealand.

Abstract

Extensive rabbit-poisoning operations were conducted under the Rabbit and Land Management Programme between 1990 and 1993 in the semi-arid high country of New Zealand. Repeated surveys of 371 km of spotlight transects that initially supported more than 40 rabbits per spotlight km showed a 95% decline in sighted rabbits. This was followed within a year by a 71% decline in sighted cats and ferrets. Wild cats and ferrets harbour bovine tuberculosis (Tb) and have an impact on protected native fauna. The means by which these apparent declines in predator numbers occur is important in assessing the role that rabbit control might play in managing for Tb and nature conservation.