European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were first introduced to Australia in the 18th century with the First Fleet, and later became widespread, because of Thomas Austin.[1] Such wild rabbit populations are a serious mammalian pest and invasive species in Australia causing millions of dollars' worth of damage to crops. Their spread may have been enhanced through the emergence of strong crossbreeds.
Various methods in the 20th century have been attempted to control the Australian rabbit population. Conventional methods include shooting rabbits and destroying their warrens, but these had only limited success. From 1901 to 1907, a rabbit-proof fence was built in Western Australia in an unsuccessful attempt to contain the rabbits.[2][3] The myxoma virus, which causes myxomatosis, was introduced into the rabbit population in the 1950s and had the effect of severely reducing the rabbit population. However, the survivors have since adapted and partially recovered their previous numbers. Domesticated rabbits are banned as pets in the state of Queensland.[4]
- ^ Alves, Joel; Carneiro, Miguel (2022). "A single introduction of wild rabbits triggered the biological invasion of Australia". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 119 (35): e2122734119. Bibcode:2022PNAS..11922734A. doi:10.1073/pnas.2122734119. PMC 9436340. PMID 35994668.
- ^ "Introduction". The State Barrier Fence of Western Australia, Centenary 1901–2001. National Library of Australia. Archived from the original on 8 July 2004. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
- ^ "State Barrier Fence overview". Agriculture and Food. Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. 8 December 2022. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
- ^ "Can I have a pet rabbit?" (PDF). Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 22 April 2023.