THE RABBIT PEST.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13172, 3 February 1936, Page 2

THE RABBIT PEST.

AUSTRALIA’S PROBLEM. SYDNEY, January IC. Rabbits provide Australia with a thriving industry, yet Australia would be prepared to sacrifice the resulting profit if rabbits could be eradicated. About 12,000 frozen rabbits arc exported each year, but as ten rabbits consume as much grass as one sheep, the rabbit exports are equivalent to more than 1,000,000 sheep. Since exports of frozen rabbits are only a small percentage of the total number roaming over the continent, some idea can "be gained of the loss incurred to the sheep industry. Strict compliance with the regulations to keep the pest in check is required of landowners, and generally the position is satisfactory. Except in isolated areas they are not on the increase. About three years ago, when prices for primary products were low, rabbits increased to rather alarming proportions, but since then landowners have been very active in the work of destruction. Dry weather in some of the worst infested areas also has assisted in their eradication. There can, however, be no let-up in dealing with them. Recent rains will have the effect of making a strong growth of green herbage, and this will be favourable to rabbits. Probably the next greatest loss to farmers is caused by noxious weeds. Not much land is rendered entirely useless by weeds, but the carrying capacity is greatly reduced. Fortunately, during recent years, owners are destroying weeds, especially those which are not strongly established. Regarding weeds of strong growth, the policy of sowing infested land with lucerne and pastoral grasses has attracted attention widely, and many growers are bringing these weeds under control. A notable example of the success which has been achieved in eradication is the change which has occurred regarding skeleton weed. Twelve months ago„ landowners were almost in despair, but experiments which have been carried out have shown that this pest can be kept in check, and optimism has replaced despair in infected districts. A staff of experts from the Department of Agriculture is available to farmers, and a specialist is devoting the whole of his time to further the skeleton weed investigations.