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ClimateQuiet 10d · day 11

Australian rabbit populations surge after wet winter, threatening native species

Scientists attribute the boom to rainfall and viral resistance; one study found rabbits harm 329 threatened species more than any other invasive pest.

newest coverage 10d agosummary written 9d ago3 pieces2 likes & upvotes NewswiresMastodonGoogle News

What to know

  • Rabbit populations across Australia are booming following a wet winter; scientists attribute the surge to good rainfall and growing viral resistance.
  • Rabbits negatively affect 329 threatened species—more than any other invasive pest—and cost agriculture an estimated $200 million annually.
  • Plague-level populations have been reported in Western Australia, South Australia, and other regions; rabbit numbers can increase tenfold in a single season.

“Though they were introduced on the first fleet during the British invasion in 1788, research has traced the species' continent-wide spread to one consignment of 24 rabbits brought in to the country by settler Thomas Austin, in 1859.”

Graham Readfearn, Climate and environment reporter · The Guardian ↗ · Sep 12

Dr John Virtue Director of research, Centre for Invasive Species SolutionsDr Pat Taggart Ecologist, Bush Heritage AustraliaThomas Austin 19th-century settler

Australian rabbit populations surge after wet winter, threatening native species
theguardian.com

How it unfolded 2 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articlesposts

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  1. 2

    Study shows rabbits harm 329 threatened species, most of any invasive pest

    One study found rabbits negatively affect 329 threatened species in Australia—more than any other invasive pest. Rabbits cost the agricultural sector an estimated $200 million annually (2020-21 estimate) and can increase populations tenfold in a single season with adequate food and rainfall.

    “They can get to incredible numbers and you see the whole landscape gets denuded.”
    — Dr John Virtue
  2. 1

    Rabbits reach plague levels in Albany, Western Australia

    In Albany, southern WA, rabbits at plague levels have invaded farms and a top golf course, with greens hosting as many as 30 rabbits each evening.

    “We've noticed increases all around the country.”
    — Dr John Virtue, Centre for Invasive Species Solutions director · source
  3. background

    Scientists report rabbit numbers booming after wet winter — Following a wet winter in central and southern Australia, rabbit populations are surging nationwide. Dr John Virtue, director of research at the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, reports increases around the country, with hotspots in southern Western Australia, suburban Canberra, Adelaide, NSW Riverina, and southern Queensland.

  4. background

    Rabbit populations reach plague proportions — By the 1920s, rabbits had reached plague proportions across Australia, with estimates numbering them in the billions.

  5. background

    Thomas Austin introduces 24 rabbits to Australia — A settler named Thomas Austin brings 24 rabbits to the country in a single consignment. Research traces the species' continent-wide spread to this shipment.

Also covered reported alongside — the timeline has no entry for these yet

  1. 2 outlets Rabbits are the biggest threat to Australia’s native species. Why are their numbers booming again?

    first by The Guardian, 10d ago · also Guardian Environment