Eradication of European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from Cabbage Tree Island, NSW, Australia, to protect the breeding habitat of Gouldʹs petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) Original Research Article

The endangered Gouldʹs petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) nests, almost exclusively, in rainforest on Cabbage Tree Island, New South Wales, Australia. Since their introduction in 1906, European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) have greatly changed the structure of the rainforest, threatening its existence and that of the petrel. Rabbits were eradicated by sequential epizootics of myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD), and a single application of cereal-based bait (Talon® 20P) containing the anticoagulant brodifacoum. The effectiveness of these mortality agents was evaluated by monitoring 70 telemetered rabbits, half of which were vaccinated against RHD. A natural epizootic of myxomatosis from May to July 1997 reduced the rabbit population from about 250 to 100. RHD, released in August 1997, reduced the population by a further 55%, the rabbits dying within 4–23 days. No survivors tested positive to RHD antibodies. Aerial baiting in September 1997 eradicated all remaining rabbits within 13 days. Intensive monitoring over the next 6 months detected no survivors. Non-target deaths included two buff-banded rails (Gallirallus philippensis) and one pied currawong (Strepera graculina).