The feral European rabbit is one of the most widely distributed and abundant mammals in Australia. It causes severe damage to the natural environment and to agriculture. Feral rabbit control is complicated because of welfare and harvesting issues, and because both native and introduced predators feed on feral rabbits in many parts of Australia. A combination of traditional control techniques and biological control holds the best promise for reducing feral rabbit populations and minimising the damage they cause.
The reasons why rabbits are pest animals include:
Until today, many farmers still use conventional means of eradicating rabbits from their land. Although the rabbit population is a fraction of what it was in the early 1920s, it continues to burden the country's eco- and agricultural systems. They have lived on Australia for over 150-years and until a perfect virus can be found, they'll probably be there for several hundred more.
The reasons why rabbits are pest animals include:
- preying on domestic or farm animals damaging crops and food production
- posing a threat to native animals and ecosystems
- being a nuisance and health hazard to people.
Until today, many farmers still use conventional means of eradicating rabbits from their land. Although the rabbit population is a fraction of what it was in the early 1920s, it continues to burden the country's eco- and agricultural systems. They have lived on Australia for over 150-years and until a perfect virus can be found, they'll probably be there for several hundred more.