Analysis of the history of rabbits in Australia
Introduction
The history of rabbits in Australia dates back to the 19th century when European rabbits were introduced in this continent, which caused great environmental damage. Considered by experts such as the fastest propagation of invasive mammal. European rabbits harm Australia’s native species and crops. Its propagation is very fast due to lack of natural predators in the continent and for the large number of young they have per year. It is estimated that about 200 million rabbits currently live in Australia.
Developing
All details about the true history of rabbits in Australia
It all started in 1859, when a man named Thomas Austin, in Winchelsea, Victoria imported 24 wild rabbits from England and released them for sport hunting. In a few years those 24 rabbits multiplied in millions.
In less than 70 years, the population of rabbits in Australia had already grown to approximately 10 million. Reproducing at a rate of 18 to 30 per female rabbit per year.
Rabbits began migrating from Australia at a rate of 80 miles a year. After destroying two million acres of forest lands of Victoria, the states of Nueva Wales del Sur and Queensland crossed. In 1890, rabbits were seen in Western Australia.
Australia is the ideal place for rabbits multiplication. It favors the weather, with soft winters, abundance of land with limited industrial development. The low vegetation that provides food and refuge by adding to this the years of geographical insulation, which have left the continent without natural predators for this new species.
Control measures for this wild rabbit
To control rabbits in Australia during the nineteenth century the method only consisted of catching them and shooting them. From the twentieth century the Australian government introduced novel methods.
Rabbit proof fences
Between 1901 and 1907, three rabbit proof fences were built to protect Western Australian grazing lands. They were extensive fences from one point to another vertically from Cape Keraudren in the north to the south, it is considered the longest fence in the world. This project did not turn out because many rabbits went to the other side during construction and others have fallen through the fence.
Biological methods
To control the population of wild rabbits the Australian government also experienced biological methods. Thus in 1950 they released mosquitoes and fleas with the mixoma virus, this virus affects only rabbits. The method was very successful because about 99% of the rabbit population was annihilated.
Because these insects do not usually inhabit arid areas many of the rabbits living inside the continent were not affected. A large population of rabbits developed genetic immunity to the mixoma virus and continued reproducing. Another flies similar method was also developed, but it was not.
Current situation
Today the problem in Australia persists with this overpopulation of rabbits, it continues to affect the ecological and agricultural systems of the country. These animals have been installed in this continent for 150 years and are expected to continue there for many more years.
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