Deen Maar Island has officially been declared rabbit-free, marking 2 years since the last rabbit was detected on the culturally and environmentally significant island.
The small island, known on some maps as Lady Julia Percy Island, is located about 20 kilometres south-west of Port Fairy and is known to the Eastern Maar and Gunditjmara Traditional Owners as Deen Maar.
European rabbits were first introduced to the island in the mid-1800s as a potential food source for shipwreck survivors. Over time, their population caused extensive environmental damage, contributing to erosion, vegetation loss and disturbance of culturally significant sites through widespread digging and burrowing.
Rabbit activity also reduced habitat for burrowing seabirds, including Little Penguins, and affected native plant species such as the threatened fern, Shore Spleenwort.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said the island is now thriving following the successful removal of rabbits.
“This project has transformed the island into a thriving wildlife sanctuary – from seals basking along the shores to seabirds reclaiming their nesting grounds – delivering a remarkable win for both nature and cultural heritage.”
The island supports one of Australia’s largest breeding colonies of Australian Fur Seals and remains one of Victoria’s most important seabird breeding sites, species found on the island include:
- Short-tailed Shearwaters
- Little Penguins
- Fairy Prions
- Common Diving Petrels.
Deen Maar Island is flourishing once again, with penguins and sea birds reclaiming sites previously overrun by rabbit warrens and using the empty holes as nest sites.
The removal has ensured nesting habitats for seabird species remain on the island, improving their long-term breeding success and enhancing population resilience at a state-wide level.
The eradication program was delivered in stages and included the use of calicivirus, aerial baiting, and ongoing monitoring and eradication visits. Following the removal of the last rabbit in late October 2023, project partners carried out 2 years of intensive monitoring to confirm the island was free of rabbits.
Mr Dimopoulos acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the achievement.
“We know rabbits are tough to eradicate completely and we thank all partners for their role and dedication in making this project a success.”
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said the outcome delivered benefits for both culture and conservation.
“This achievement is a win for both culture and conservation. Removing rabbits from Deen Maar Island means we’ve protected an important cultural site and restored vital habitats for seabirds and native plants.”
The Deen Maar Island Rabbit Eradication Project was led by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in partnership with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation and Parks Victoria.
The successful eradication will help protect the island’s cultural heritage and native wildlife into the future, ensuring Deen Maar continues to provide habitat for significant seabird colonies and one of the nation’s largest Australian Fur Seal breeding populations.
Page last updated: 24/07/26