As an expert in the field of ecology and invasive species, I have been closely observing the impact of rabbits on the Australian ecosystem. Rabbits, introduced to Australia in the 19th century, have had a profound effect on the continent's biodiversity and agriculture. The initial introduction of 24 rabbits was a small act that led to an ecological catastrophe. The rapid reproduction rate of rabbits, combined with the lack of natural predators in Australia, allowed their population to explode exponentially.

The rabbits' ability to reproduce at a rate of 18 to 30 offspring per female per year is a key factor in their population growth. This reproductive capacity, coupled with the rabbits' adaptability to various environments, has made them a formidable invasive species. The damage they cause includes overgrazing, soil erosion, and the degradation of native vegetation, which in turn affects the habitats of other native species.

Efforts to control the rabbit population have been ongoing for many years. These efforts include the construction of rabbit-proof fences, the introduction of diseases such as myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease, and various other biological control methods. Despite these measures, the rabbit population remains a significant challenge.

The exact number of rabbits in Australia today is difficult to determine due to the dynamic nature of their population. It fluctuates with seasonal changes, disease outbreaks, and control measures. However, it is clear that the rabbit population is still substantial, even if it has not reached the staggering numbers reported in the past.

The situation with rabbits in Australia serves as a cautionary tale about the introduction of non-native species and the potential for ecological imbalance. It underscores the importance of careful consideration and management when dealing with invasive species to prevent such dramatic impacts on native ecosystems.

read more >>

Within a number of years, those 24 rabbits multiplied into millions. By the 1920s, less than 70 years since its introduction, the rabbit population in Australia ballooned to an estimated 10 billion, reproducing at a rate of 18 to 30 per single female rabbit per year.Mar 8, 2018read more >>