Verdú rabbit control program captures nearly 8,000 animals in 17 days

The Department of Agriculture has successfully captured 7,908 rabbits in 17 days in the Verdú area of Urgell to mitigate overpopulation and agricultural damage. The intensive control operation, which ran from July 28 to August 13, reduced rabbit density in the region by approximately 68%, dropping from 30.8 specimens per square kilometer to 9.9 specimens per square kilometer.

A total of 48 operations were conducted using various methodologies. The most effective technique was nocturnal patrols using all-terrain vehicles equipped with thermal imaging systems, which accounted for 6,311 captures. Other methods included nocturnal hunts with thermal-equipped rifles and local hunter patrols.

Following the results in Verdú, the Department plans to maintain high-pressure interventions in critical zones and extend similar strategies to other affected municipalities, including Aspa and Alfés. Officials indicated that periodic actions will continue in areas where high rabbit density poses a risk to crops.