Oryctolagus cuniculus, Lepus europaeus
Rabbit and hare
Family: Leporidae
Origin: Eurasia
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area pest — Site-led
- Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice pest
- Whole region — Sustained control
General description
Small terrestrial herbivorous mammals. Rabbits are often grey-brown and are the size of a small cat. Hares are larger and have black tipped ears.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment:
- You must not abandon any rabbit or hare within the Auckland region.
- You must not move any pest rabbit or hare to or within the Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area.
- In the future, all commercial transport operators moving goods or people to or among Hauraki Gulf islands will need to have a Pest Free Warrant.
- Anyone intending to move a building to or among Hauraki Gulf islands must notify Auckland Council at least 10 working days prior to movement so that an inspection can be arranged.
Habitats
Open habitats, pasture, orchards, crops, gardens, dunes, scrubland.
Impact on environment
Heavily browses native seedlings and low-growing plants, alters vegetation composition and suppresses threatened species. Supports increased populations of introduced predators. Can cause major damage to pasture.
Control
Management
Please refer to the Pest animal control guidelines for information on how to control rabbits and hares, or contact Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
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