how was the european rabbit introduced

The proliferation of rabbits was the fastest of an introduced … It has been widely introduced elsewhere often with devastating effects on local biodiversity. Initially, European rabbits were introduced into Australia at Port Jackson, because they were brought over on the First Fleet. The rabbit in England. Myxoma virus was the first virus ever introduced into the wild with the purpose of eradicating a vertebrate pest, namely the feral European rabbit in Australia in 1950, and in Europe 2 years later. Their spread may have been enhanced through the emergence of strong crossbreeds. European Rabbits have a body length between 34 and 50 cms (13.5 - 20 inches), a tail length between 4 and 8 cms (1.6 - 3.25 inches) and they weigh between 1 and 2.5 kgs (2.25 - 5.5 lbs). Agricultural History Review. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). A single pair of European rabbits are capable of producing 30-40 offspring each year.  |  Rabbits can be differentiated from hares by a size differences. Here are the key reasons why these animals and pets were introduced in this country. Source: www.wikipedia.org First arriving in Australia with the First Fleet, then deliberately released for hunting in the 1800’s, the rate of spread of the rabbit in Australia was the fastest of any colonising mammal anywhere in the world. European rabbits are known for their ability to dig extensive tunnel systems called warrens with several entrances and exits. The European Rabbit was the foundation for all of the breeds that exist today, as the first of the rabbit breeds were created by selectively breeding the wild common rabbit. What are synonyms for European rabbit? Since then the European rabbit has suffered two major disease outbreaks, the most notable being the deadly Myxomatosis virus. Male (bucks) European rabbits weigh more and  have broader heads than females (does), but the overall appearance of both sexes is very similar. They did not cause any problems, or become a pest at this stage. It causes severe damage to the natural environment and to agriculture. But along with the other lagomorphs, the European rabbit is a famously prolific breeder, which has turned it into a serious pest in the various areas where it has been introduced, especially in Australia.  |  The European rabbit was brought to Australia as a companion animal by early settlers. The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) or coney is a species of rabbit native to southwestern Europe (including Spain, Portugal and western France) and to northwest Africa (including Morocco and Algeria). Populations of the prickly pear cactus European rabbits are aggressive foragers and threaten biodiversity when they become established in new non-native areas. 2015 Apr;53(4):209-18. doi: 10.1007/s12275-015-5041-4. About the fact sheet The feral European rabbit is one of the most widely distributed and abundant mammals in Australia. Rabbits are also used as show animals, producers of meat and wool, and in laboratory settings. Viral biocontrol: grand experiments in disease emergence and evolution. Would you like email updates of new search results? Many field mice are driven out of their burrows as a result of European rabbit establishment making them easy prey for foxes. Many native raptors, such as eagles, now have rabbits as a large part of their diet. 2016 Dec;109:129-134. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2016.09.019. This virus was highly effective in Australia, but 0.02% of the population survived and developed a resistance. Though originally assigned to the genus Lepus, the European rabbit was consigned to its own genus in 1874, on account of its altricial young, burrowing habits, and numerous skeletal characters. 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