Invasive Species Presence

AUS-AKW-IND-ISP General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

0.5 rabbit/ha
Direction: Lower is desirable ↓
Form: MaximumOnly

Scoring Curve

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.

Evidence & Context

It is established that rabbit densities as low as 0.5 rabbits per hectare (or one rabbit per two hectares) are sufficient to prevent the successful regeneration and recruitment of many palatable native trees and shrubs in arid and semi-arid Australia.

Metric Definition:

Density of European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the maximum density of European rabbits above which the regeneration and recruitment of many native trees and shrubs in arid karstic woodlands and shrublands is prevented, indicating ecological harm.

Justification:

At this density, rabbits consume nearly all emerging seedlings of preferred species, effectively halting the long-term life cycle of foundational plants.

Sources (1)

Preview of Invasive species, problematic native species, and diseases ..., accessed May 20, 2025,
Invasive species, problematic native species, and diseases ..., accessed May 20, 2025, Government

National RD&E Priorities for Invasive Plants and Animals, accessed July 27, 2025

View Source

Supporting Sources (2)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry: Mine Rehabilitation (2016)
Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry: Mine Rehabilitation (2016)
Regulatory Framework Government

Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry: Mine Rehabilitation (2016)

View Source
Preview of Ranger Water Management Plan: Rehabilitation standards (2021)
Ranger Water Management Plan: Rehabilitation standards (2021)
Direct Evidence Journal

Ranger Water Management Plan: Rehabilitation standards (2021)

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Arid Karstic Woodlands & Shrublands
  • Land Use Industrial & Infrastructure Use
  • Assessment Not Stated
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 6 Jun 2026

Notes

Identified as a lower critical threshold for ecological integrity, but functionally a ceiling for healthy recruitment. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.