DESTRUCTION OF RABBITS

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12314, 6 April 1933, Page 2

DESTRUCTION OF RABBITS

SCHEME OF WORK. (N.Z. Agriculture Journal.) The rabbit pest is not difficult to control if the proper methods are employed in the c orrect sequence at the right seasons. This has been proved conclusively by the results invariably obtained by Rabbit Boards. In many very badly' infested districts, where individual haphazard, methods had completely failed to control the pest, Rabbit Boards have been formed, and by reason of combined, efforj: and systematic application of practical methods a measure of success far beyond the most optimistic expectations has been obtained. In two or three seasons the ]iest has practically disappeared, amply demonstrating the value of concerted action on sound progressive lines. The most effective and economical scheme of work for the year may be briefly summarised as follows: Start in early autumn as soon, as conditions are suitable by making a close

general poisoning. Follow with other kinds of poison at intervals of three or four weeks ns niav be necessary, destroy cover, close all burrows, and gas any that are reopened. For spring and early summer weak use traps, dogs, or gun to clean up stragglers, d.ig out nests, or destroy with carbon bisulphide or cyo.nogas. Apply all the pressure possible during the earlier months of the breedin., season. Tf satisfactory work lias been continued to December the work on i*oiigb country may now be suspended in order that any rabbits left may colonise and settle down in the more favoured, and accessible spots., suitable for the next general poisoning i:n early autumn, when the procedure* outlined should bo relocated during the following season. If the work is thus carried out methodieallv a definite improvement should be noticeable at the cm cl of the first year’s working Each succeeding season should show further improvement, and at the end of the third season the post should be reduced + 0 a point where it niav be held with a minimum of effort and expenditure.

In cases where a special rabbiting staff is employed on the work of destruction, the question may arise as to bow such staff; can be profitably employed during what may be termed. the off period*—December to February. Work may be profitably continued on the more lightly infested blocks or areas, where the progress already made mav be consolidated and finalised by the complete- eradication of the joest and the destruction of cover and warrens as far as is possible, thus- reducing each year the area of infested country. Tin's consolidating effort need not be extended to a greater area than can be completely cleaned 1171 in the time available, after which the general programme of work should be again resumed. Work to schedule and Jesuits will follow, but spasmodic efforts without regard to time or method will result in failure, ‘disappointment, and waste. On the smaller holdings oF clear grasslands, where the only cover is burrows, there is no reason why all rabbits should not be exterminated on one year’s working with carbon bisulphide or cyanogas. Working on. these 1 fries, very few skins or marketable carcases will be recovered, but permanent, progress will be made. If methods most suitable for the collection of skins and carcases are adopted, the rabbit will continue to flourish. Which is of greater value, six rabbits or one sheep, thirty rabbits or one o'*w ? A carrying capacity of ten rabbits per acre would not a71710a! to a prospective buyer or be regarded as good security for a loan. Destroy the post and increase production and the value of the holding.