Rabbits
are an invasive species in parts of Australia and have had a considerably
negative effect on its ecosystem. They were first introduced by the First Fleet
in 1788, as well as by British settlers in the nineteenth century, whose aim
was to ensure that they continued to enjoy hunting for sport as they has in
their home country (Fenner 103).
A result was that the rabbits, which were for the most part hybrids of wild
hares and domesticated rabbits, ended up proving hardy and more adaptive to the
new environment in Australia. It led to a situation where they were able to
breed prolifically to such an extent that they not only achieved a stable
population, but records show that despite their being killed by the millions
every year, their population remained quite stable. The mild winters found in
Australia enabled these animals to breed throughout the year, unlike in Europe,
where they would only breed at certain times of the year (Williams et al. 2). Thus, while the rabbits were not in their
native environment, they were quite prolific to such an extent that they came
to tame it. Today, rabbits are still considered pests in Australia and a
considerable number of steps have been taken to make sure that they are brought
under control, although most of them have proven to be unsuccessful.
Background and Native Environment
The
European or common rabbit is a species that is native to Europe and it is also
the most common rabbit species in the world, having been spread to such places
as Australia, New Zealand and Africa. This species is one that has been adapted
to conditions on the European continent and tends to be most active either at
dawn or at dusk. During the day, they spend most of their time close to
vegetation in order to hide from their natural predators, such as foxes, and
only come out at dusk, when they are sure that they are quite safe. They are
found all over Europe and North West Africa, especially on the edges of
farmland, on grasslands, or on woodlands (Delibes-Mateos et al. 149). These areas are ideal for
them to dig into the ground and reside in such a way that they are not only
safe from predators, but cannot be easily spotted. This ensures that they are
able to promote a situation where they are able to live in relative safety
while at the same time being able to breed, with their usual breeding months in
their native habitat being between May and November. The female of the species
are capable of reproducing throughout the year, often having offspring within
thirty days of mating. They are able to increase their numbers swiftly because
their average lifespan is about nine years.
Non-Native Ecosystem (Australian)
The
ecosystem of Australia where most of the rabbit population is located is one
that is well known for its mild weather. It is one where there is a diversity
of both plant and animal species that are native to the continent. Most of the
population of these species is located in these areas and they ensure that
there is the existence of an extremely delicate balance. However, with the
introduction of rabbits into the wild, all this has changed because it has led
to a situation where there has been a disruption of the native ecosystem.
Rabbits do not have a natural predator in Australia and this means that their
population cannot be controlled naturally (Fenner 105).
A consequence has been that they have been able to outcompete the native
species to such an extent that they are essentially being driven to extinction.
Furthermore, the large wild rabbit population has also led to considerable
overgrazing to such an extent that native plant species, especially grasses,
have also been depleted. The lack of enough grasses and other small plants for
food has made the rabbits adapt to feeding on tree barks, and this has had the
negative effect of also driving some tree species to extinction because these
rabbits tend to feed circularly; eventually killing the trees. Moreover, the
removal of native plant life has also created a serious problem of soil
erosion, which has had a negative impact in some areas.
Techniques in the Management of Rabbits in
Australia
A
number of techniques have been adopted over time to ensure that there is the
reduction in the number of wild rabbits in Australia. Among these has been the
population is allowed to hunt it without any controls whatsoever. However,
despite this initiative, and the millions of rabbits that have been killed
every year, the population has remained resilient, and this is mainly because of
their prolific nature. Furthermore, there has been the use of poisons to make
sure that the rabbit population is brought under control, but while this method
has proven to be effective in the short term, a re-infestation is often
inevitable. In recent years, there have been initiatives aimed at the
introduction of the myxoma virus, which causes myxomatosis, a condition that
leads to the eventual death of the rabbit (Hamilton et al. 3168). However, rabbits in
Australia have been able to develop resistance to this virus and have been able
to recover their population (Williams et al. 45). It is essential to note that despite the
considerable measures that have been taken to ensure that the wild rabbit
population in Australia is brought under control in order to protect the native
ecosystem, they have not been successful, and in some cases, they have ended up
being counterproductive. This is because a considerable number of the rabbits
have been able to prove their resilience and are passing the acquired
characteristics to their offspring.
Conclusion
Despite
the relative lack of success when it comes to controlling and managing the
species, it is pertinent to make sure that more is done to promote a situation
where the impact of rabbits on the native ecosystem of Australia is reduced.
This is because if nothing is done soon, this species will end up creating more
havoc within the ecosystem than has already been the case. Despite the
considerable damage that they have caused, all measures possible should be
undertaken to control the wild rabbit population because it is a problem that
is here to stay and has to be managed. The adoption of such measures such as
unlimited hunting, poisoning, and the use of biological initiatives should be
implemented simultaneously so that it is possible to bring about effective controls.
Furthermore, this approach will ensure that their population is being
controlled from a diversity of initiatives that will promote greater ecological
balance and might just end up eventually being successful.
Works
Cited
Delibes-Mateos, Miguel, et al.
"Rabbits as a Keystone Species in Southern Europe." Biological Conservation 137.1 (2007):
149-56. Print.
Fenner,
F. "Deliberate Introduction of the European Rabbit, Oryctolagus Cuniculus,
into Australia." Revue scientifique
et technique 29.1 (2010): 103. Print.
Hamilton,
PB, et al. "The Inadvertent Introduction into Australia of Trypanosoma
Nabiasi, the Trypanosome of the European Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus), and
Its Potential for Biocontrol." Molecular
Ecology 14.10 (2005): 3167-75. Print.
Williams, C Kent, et al. "Managing Vertebrate Pests:
Rabbits." (1995). Print.
