Management of the Feral European Rabbit, Oryctolagus Cuniculus, on Akdamar Island, Lake Van, Türkiye

Abstract

Lake Van is Türkiye’s largest lake, and within it lies Akdamar, a small seven-hectare island. In 2008, eight feral European rabbits were introduced to the island to attract tourists. With no natural predators, their population had increased to 3,000 by 2016, causing severe ecological damage, destroying almond trees, accelerating soil erosion, and damaging historical buildings through burrowing. In response, local authorities launched a management programme from 2016 to 2017, removing 1,500 rabbits through physical control methods such as live trapping, net trapping, and night spotlighting. However, funding shortages halted further efforts, and the population surged to an estimated 4,000–5,000 by 2023. The rabbits now occupy the entire island, degrading vegetation, diminishing ecosystem services, and threatening tourism. According to the assessment conducted in this study, the situation is classified as causing major ecological impacts under the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa and minor cultural effects under the Socio-Economic Impact Classification of Alien Taxa. Therefore, urgent, long-term management solutions are essential to prevent further degradation, with public awareness campaigns, community involvement, and education can help reduce human-mediated spread and promote responsible behaviour. Coupled with sustainable, effective management strategies, these efforts are vital to preserving the island’s ecosystem and cultural heritage. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.