Otago's big dry has had the side-effect of a bumper breeding season for rabbits.
The Otago Regional Council says a dry winter and summer has meant more breeding and better survival for litters.
While landowners who had kept on top of their rabbit situation had less of a problem, those who had not were urged to take action.
ORC environmental monitoring and operations director Jeff Donaldson said this week: ''When things dry off, rabbits breed better.
''We're all noticing an increase, and we've certainly identified it with landowners, as well, that they need to be well aware.''
Rabbits were appearing in some areas they had not been seen for several years, he said.
That was mostly in the Strath Taieri area, where rabbits had not had the opportunity to breed at the level they were now.
Usually the young died from disease, or drowned.
''That [rain] actually kills off an awful number of rabbits - drowned in the nest.
''This year it didn't happen, so all those rabbits are breeding as well.''
Landowners had the responsibility of keeping numbers down.
Rabbits were included in the council's regional pest plan, and had to be managed.
The ORC was looking at doing oat poisoning towards the end of summer, offering farmers the opportunity to do a summer poison as feed ran out.
Usually, poisoning was done mid-winter when there was little feed for rabbits.
The ORC and contractors provided the service, although landowners were required to pay.
''Landowners need to be aware they have a responsibility to control them, and if they need assistance they need to contact their local ORC staff member and seek their advice on how to manage the problem.''
