Invasive Species:

Rabbits in Australia

By Meara McCabe and Lauryn Saldana

Rabbit Population in Australia

Settlers in Australia didn’t feel at home.

In 1859, 24 rabbits were brought over on the First Fleet from England, and released on Christmas Day.

These rabbits were used to hunt for sport.

By 1886, the rabbits had spread and multiplied all the way to the Queensland-NSW border.

Rabbits quickly reproduce, pushing other small animals out of their area.

Problems Caused by Rabbits

• Grazing and burrowing can cause erosion and threaten the survival of plants (i.e. crops, seedlings) and animals.

• New predators can be introduced into the area.

• Food sources can be reduced. (i.e. competition)

This is the current spread of the rabbit population in Australia.