Rabbit are a major problem Australia wide, the first rabbits were thought to come over with tge first fleet and started populating Tasmania and from there Thomas Austin release approximately 12 rabbits on his property near Geelong. Rabbits have spread from there despite efforts from the western Australian government building the 1700km rabbit proof fence between 1901 and 1907. Rabbit now populate nearly all areas in Australia except the far northern reaches of Australia. Rabbits are mainly nocturnal feeders and the prefer lush green grasses and herbs, they also dig below ground to eat the tender roots. In most areas with the exception of arid areas rabbits do not need direct access to water as they get all the water they need from their food. Rabbits directly compete for food from our native mammals and this is made worse in times of drought and immediately following fires as this is the time where food is most in demand. Rabbits have been directly linked to decreases in native vegetation species. Goats and rabbits are thought to be responsible for the extinction of at least 2 species of local native plants from Phillip island in the Norfolk Island group. Rabbit can breed anytime of the year but more commonly breed towards the end of winter and through spring because of the abundance of fresh new shoots that sprout around this time. Rabbits can breed from 4 months old, with favorable conditions can have 5 litters a year with 4-5 kittens in each. So you could end up with a large problem very quickly on your hands in not kept under control.
Posted on: Mon, 12 Aug 2013 05:12:54 +0000
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