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Rabbits Boom: Australia's Furry Plague Returns
13 Sep
Summary
- Rabbit populations are booming across Australia due to good rainfall.
- Viruses like calicivirus are becoming less effective against rabbits.
- Rabbits impact 329 threatened species, more than any other pest.
Rabbit populations are rapidly increasing across Australia, with hotspots identified in Western Australia, Canberra, Adelaide's peri-urban areas, the New South Wales Riverina, and southern Queensland. This resurgence is largely attributed to recent rainfall, which provides ample food and breeding conditions.
The European rabbit, introduced in the late 18th century, has become one of Australia's most destructive invasive pests. While viruses like myxoma and calicivirus significantly reduced their numbers in the past, rabbits are developing resistance, diminishing the effectiveness of these biological controls.
This population growth poses a grave threat to native flora and fauna, with rabbits negatively impacting 329 threatened species. They also compete with native wildlife for resources and sustain populations of feral predators like cats and foxes, creating a dangerous ecological imbalance.
Control efforts, including fencing, poisoning, and further development of new virus strains, are ongoing. However, challenges remain, particularly in peri-urban areas where rabbits act as reservoirs for infestation.
New variants of calicivirus are being developed by the government to combat the evolving resistance. Landholders also employ methods like shooting and baiting, though the effectiveness and welfare implications vary across these approaches.
