An innovative plan against the rabbit plague
The Plana de Lleida has been the scene of a notable intervention to control the overabundance of rabbits, resulting in the capture of156,140 specimens in the last nine months. This effort is part of a strategic plan implemented by the Department of Agriculture, aimed at mitigating damage to crops and restoring ecological balance in the region.
The Minister of Agriculture, Òscar Ordeig, recently presented the program's progress at the Agricultural School of Tàrrega. According to Ordeig, although significant results have been achieved, there is still much work to be done. “Work has been done, much more needs to be done,” he stated during his speech.
The teams responsible for population control consist of six specialist technicians and have three drones equipped with thermal cameras to enhance capture effectiveness. Since their activation in January 2026, these teams have responded to 338 reports of crop damage, managing to reduce the average response time to 13 days, down from the previous 21 days.
The investment allocated to this plan exceeds two hundred million euros, reflecting the Catalan government's commitment to addressing this issue. Additionally, there are plans to increase the number of personnel dedicated to hunting control in Lleida by incorporating additional staff from other regions.
The latest data indicates a significant decrease in the rabbit population within the affected area. Surveys conducted show that the density has fallen by 44%, from 202 specimens per square kilometre in 2024 to an average of 112 currently. However, some areas like Les Garrigues still face challenges, as they have only experienced a 30% reduction.
As this ambitious project progresses, the minister emphasizes that this strategy aims not only to solve immediate problems but also to establish a sustainable model for future management of game wildlife. “We are implementing a new way to approach this situation based on technical criteria and rigorous analysis,” concluded Ordeig.
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