Topic Title: Using Thermal Technology and GPS Mapping to Monitor Rabbits

Topic Excerpt:
Thermal scopes, GPS mapping and game cameras can help landowners monitor rabbit numbers, identify high-pressure areas and assess whether control efforts are working.

Using Thermal Technology and GPS Mapping to Monitor Rabbits

Knowing how many rabbits are present, and whether their numbers are increasing or decreasing, is an important part of managing rabbits on farms and lifestyle blocks.

Visual observations during the day may not provide an accurate picture because rabbits are often most active around dusk, at night and during the early morning. Thermal technology can make it easier to detect rabbits in paddocks, gullies, shelter belts and other areas where they may otherwise be difficult to see.

How Thermal Monitoring Can Help

Thermal scopes, telescopes or cameras detect heat rather than relying only on visible light. This can allow landowners to observe rabbits at night and count animals across a defined area.

Depending on the equipment and terrain, thermal monitoring may help:

• Identify areas with high rabbit activity
• Detect rabbits hidden by darkness or light vegetation
• Compare rabbit numbers between different parts of a property
• Record video footage for later review
• Monitor areas before and after control work
• Identify locations requiring follow-up control

Static observation points can be particularly useful on steep, uneven or difficult terrain where moving around at night may create safety risks.

Using GPS to Record Monitoring Locations

Recording each observation point with GPS makes it easier to return to the same location during future monitoring.

Using consistent locations allows landowners to compare results more accurately over time. Records might include:

• GPS location
• Date and time
• Weather conditions
• Area observed
• Number of rabbits counted
• Estimated rabbits per hectare
• Recent control work
• Changes noticed since the previous count

Monitoring points can include areas with light, moderate and heavy rabbit pressure so that changes across the property can be tracked.

Comparing Results Over Time

Monitoring is most useful when it is repeated consistently rather than carried out only once.

Counts may be completed:

• Before a major control programme
• Shortly after baiting, shooting or another control method
• During follow-up control
• At regular seasonal intervals
• When fresh rabbit damage or burrow activity appears

Keeping a simple spreadsheet or written record can help show whether rabbit numbers are declining, remaining stable or beginning to increase again.

Game cameras and traditional spotlight counts may also provide useful comparisons alongside thermal monitoring.

Practical Considerations

Thermal equipment can be expensive, so it may not be practical for every individual property owner. Equipment may sometimes be shared between neighbours, community groups, contractors or coordinated pest control programmes.

Safety must remain a priority when monitoring at night, particularly around:

• Steep or rugged terrain
• Vehicles and farm machinery
• Waterways and drop-offs
• Livestock
• Public roads
• Shooting operations

Thermal equipment should support a wider monitoring and control plan rather than replace good property knowledge, daytime inspections and checks for burrows, droppings, grazing damage and fresh digging.

Join the Discussion

Have you used a thermal scope, night-vision equipment, GPS mapping or game cameras to monitor rabbits on your farm or lifestyle block?

What equipment did you use, how accurate were your counts, and did the information help you improve your rabbit control programme?