Description: This publication is a summary of the existing body of knowledge with regard to the European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, and gives relatively straightforward guidance on the management of rabbit populations. The results of consultations and literature reviews are set out and the principles of an integrated management system for all types of land managers are outlined. It includes detailed chapters on rabbit damage and control methods as well as chapters on the history of the rabbit in Europe, rabbit ecology and biology, myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD). In addition relevant legislation is discussed.

This publication together with an update to Chapter 10 of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) has been produced by Cresswell Associates on behalf of the Forestry Commission and the Highways Agency. To produce this report a steering group was set up which included specialists in rabbit biology and control and those with a specific interest in rabbit damage as landowners or managers (see acknowledgements). Members of the steering group were consulted both through steering group meetings and individual consultations.

Keywords: environmental good practice, urban regeneration

Contents: List of tables List of boxes 2 Introduction 3 Background 4 Rabbits and biodiversity 5 Damage issues 6 Assessing rabbit numbers 7 When is rabbit management necessary? 8 Rabbit management techniques 9 Disputes and arbitration Appendix