Earlier this week the local branch of the Rural Lands Protection Board (RLPB) declared war against rabbits as they reach peak breeding season and cause havoc to crops and home gardens.

This came after a massive increase in sightings about Dubbo and an increased number of sightings close to town.

Yesterday the Daily Liberal visited a property near Taronga Western Plains Zoo on the Newell Highway where several rabbits were discovered nesting in burrows under piles of rubbish.

However Taronga Western Plains Zoo general manager Matt Fuller said the zoo did not have a problem with the vermon due to a year-round management program.

“We are constantly trying to keep numbers down due to the nuisance factor rabbits possess,” Mr Fuller said.

“It’s fair to say there has been a small rise in numbers lately but that is a seasonal thing and we are continuing to manage the problem.”

Zoo staff are restricted in how they manage the pests due to the fact they have so many rare animals on site.

As a result they tend not to use baits or other poisons.

But Mr Fuller said the zoo’s eradication methods, as supplied to them by the RLPB, had been effective.

“We use various methods depending on weather and time of year and we always try to use the most effective method,” he said.

“We are probably more susceptible to these pests because we provide them with a regular food source.

“But because we have a number of animals around the place and the environment we have on offer, we steer clear of baiting or anything that could endanger the other animals at the zoo.”

ben.walker@ruralpress.com