Why no rabbit predators?

[Con <>]

The rabbits appear to be doing the classic bust and boom. Rabbit numbers and their predators fekk to very low levels towards the end of the last drought (about Jan/Feb of 2020). Rapid-breeding herbivores like rabbits typically rebound more quickly and the predators more slowly.

kind regards

Con

On 10/9/2021 12:28 PM, calyptorhynchus via Canberrabirds wrote:

This isn't an answer but a further observation and question. I agree with Fleur that there are a lot of rabbits along that part of BG and that WTE don't seem to frequent that area to predate them. I expect it is that the area is too built up for WTEs to be comfortable hunting there.

However, elsewhere in the ACT outside the urban area I am seeing more WTEs than I used to. Can someone who has this knowledge comment on whether the number of active territories has increased in the ACT recently?

cheers

John L

On Sat, 9 Oct 2021 at 12:17, Fleur Leary via Canberrabirds <> wrote:

Question for the chatline: there is a proliferation of rabbits living beside Lake Burley Griffin from Molonglo Reach through to the ANU but they don't appear to be preyed upon by Wedge Tailed Eagles. Is this because this area is too built up? Do other birds of prey take rabbits (owls?) ? Or is it just that the rabbits breed too fast for predation to make an impact on their numbers? 

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