Register      Login
Wildlife Research Wildlife Research Society
Ecology, management and conservation in natural and modified habitats
REVIEW

Rabbits: manageable environmental pests or participants in new Australian ecosystems?

Brian D. Cooke
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

Invasive Animals Co-operative Research Centre and Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. Email: brian.cooke@canberra.edu.au

Wildlife Research 39(4) 279-289 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR11166
Submitted: 22 September 2011  Accepted: 8 February 2012   Published: 26 April 2012

Abstract

Some theorists argue that plant and animal species introduced to new localities should be controlled only if they cause damage and not because they originated in another country; this warrants greater acceptance of introduced species as participants in new ecological associations in a rapidly changing world. To evaluate this concept and its relevance in setting directions for rabbit control in Australia, this idea is not only reviewed against information on the rabbit’s impact in Australian ecosystems but also against management policies, industrial drivers and social expectations. It is concluded that wild rabbits hold many natural Australian ecosystems in a degraded state and any beneficial ecological roles rabbits provide are small by comparison. Furthermore, rabbits can be controlled adequately to initiate ecosystem restoration. The idea that introduced rabbits should be more readily accepted as participants in new ecosystems is strongly counter-argued. Rabbits are not harmless passengers in Australian ecosystems and, to achieve ecosystem recovery, a high level of rabbit control is necessary.

Additional keywords: conservation, ecological impact, habitat change, political context, practical control, resource loss.


References

Allcock, K., and Hik, K. (2004). Survival, growth, and escape from herbivory are determined by habitat and herbivore species for three Australian woodland plants. Oecologia 138, 231–241.
Survival, growth, and escape from herbivory are determined by habitat and herbivore species for three Australian woodland plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Angulo, E., and Cooke, B. (2002). First synthesize new viruses then regulate their release? The case of the wild rabbit. Molecular Ecology 11, 2703–2707.
| 1:STN:280:DC%2BD38nptlarsw%3D%3D&md5=073a5e35e96bf566a885ea9b7e7f70bdCAS |

Atsatt, P. R. (1981). Ant dependent food plant selection by the mistletoe butterfly Ogyris amaryllis (Lycaenidae). Oecologia 48, 60–63.
Ant dependent food plant selection by the mistletoe butterfly Ogyris amaryllis (Lycaenidae).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Auld, T. D. (1993). The impact of grazing on regeneration of the shrub Acacia carnei in arid Australia. Biological Conservation 65, 165–176.
The impact of grazing on regeneration of the shrub Acacia carnei in arid Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Auld, T. D. (1995). Seedling survival under grazing in the arid perennial Acacia oswaldii. Biological Conservation 72, 27–32.
Seedling survival under grazing in the arid perennial Acacia oswaldii.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Baker-Gabb, D. J. (1983). The breeding ecology of twelve species of diurnal raptor in north-western Victoria. Australian Wildlife Research 10, 145–160.

Berman, D. (2008). Control of rabbits in arid Australia: destroying the drought refuge. In ‘Proceedings of the 14th Australasian Vertebrate Pests Conference’. (Eds G. Saunders and C. Lane.) p. 153. (The Vertebrate Pests Committee and the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre: Canberra.)

Bird, P., Mutze, G., Peacock, D., and Jennings, S. (2012). Damage caused by low-density exotic herbivore populations: the impact of introduced European rabbits on marsupial herbivores and Allocasuarina and Bursaria seedling survival in Australian coastal shrubland. Biological Invasions 14, 743–755.

Bowen, Z., and Read, J. (1998). Population and demographic patterns of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) at Roxby Downs in arid South Australia and the influence of rabbit haemorrhagic disease. Wildlife Research 25, 655–662.
Population and demographic patterns of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) at Roxby Downs in arid South Australia and the influence of rabbit haemorrhagic disease.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Burbidge, A. A., Johnston, K. A., Fuller, P. J., and Southgate, R. I. (1988). Aboriginal knowledge of the mammals of the central deserts of Australia. Australian Wildlife Research 15, 9–39.
Aboriginal knowledge of the mammals of the central deserts of Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Castro, S. A., Bozinovic, F., and Jaksic, F. M. (2008). Ecological efficiency and legitimacy of seed dispersal of an endemic shrub (Lithea caustic) by the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in central Chile. Journal of Arid Environments 72, 1164–1173.
Ecological efficiency and legitimacy of seed dispersal of an endemic shrub (Lithea caustic) by the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in central Chile.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Chisholm, R. A., and Taylor, R. (2010). Body size and extinction risk in Australian mammals; an information-theoretic approach. Austral Ecology 35, 616–623.
Body size and extinction risk in Australian mammals; an information-theoretic approach.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cochrane, G. R., and McDonald, N. H. E. (1966). A regeneration study in the Victorian mallee. Victorian Naturalist 83, 220–226.

Common, I. F. B., and Waterhouse, D. F. (1982). ‘Butterflies of Australia.’ (Angus and Robertson: Melbourne.)

Cooke, B. D. (1981). Rabbit control and the conservation of native mallee vegetation on roadsides in South Australia. Australian Wildlife Research 8, 627–636.
Rabbit control and the conservation of native mallee vegetation on roadsides in South Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cooke, B. D. (1982). A shortage of water in natural pastures as a factor limiting a population of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in arid, north-eastern South Australia. Australian Wildlife Research 9, 465–476.
A shortage of water in natural pastures as a factor limiting a population of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in arid, north-eastern South Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cooke, B. D. (1987). The effects of rabbit grazing on the regeneration of sheoaks Allocasuarina verticilliata and salt-water ti-trees Melaleuca halmaturorum in the Coorong National Park, South Australia. Australian Journal of Ecology 13, 11–20.

Cooke, B. D. (1993). Recent research on rabbit control in South Australia. Xanthopus 149, 7–8.

Cooke, B. D. (1998). Did introduced European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.) displace common wombats Vombatus ursinus (Shaw) from part of their range in South Australia? In ‘Wombats’. (Eds R. T. Wells and P. A. Pridmore.) pp. 262–270. (Surrey Beatty: Sydney.)

Cooke, B. D., and Fenner, F. (2002). Rabbit haemorrhagic disease and the biological control of wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, in Australia and New Zealand. Wildlife Research 29, 689–706.
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease and the biological control of wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, in Australia and New Zealand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cooke, B., Jones, R., and Gong, W. (2010). An economic decision model of wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus control to conserve Australian native vegetation. Wildlife Research 37, 558–565.
An economic decision model of wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus control to conserve Australian native vegetation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cooke, J. (2003). The ecology of ward’s weed (Carrichtera annua; Brassicaceae) a weed of southern rangelands of Australia. B.Sc.(Hons) Thesis, Australian National University, Canberra.

Cooke, J., Groves, R. H., and Ash, J. (2011). The distribution of Carrichtera annua in Australia: introduction, spread and probable limits. The Rangeland Journal 33, 23–35.
The distribution of Carrichtera annua in Australia: introduction, spread and probable limits.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Crisp, M. D. (1978). Demography and survival under grazing of three semi-desert shrubs. Oikos 30, 520–528.
Demography and survival under grazing of three semi-desert shrubs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Crisp, M. D., and Lange, R. T. (1976). Age structure, distribution and survival under grazing of the arid-zone shrub Acacia burkittii. Oikos 27, 86–92.
Age structure, distribution and survival under grazing of the arid-zone shrub Acacia burkittii.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Croft, J. D., Fleming, P. J. S., and van de Ven, R. (2002). The impact of rabbits on a grazing system in eastern NSW. 1. Ground cover and pastures. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 42, 909–916.
The impact of rabbits on a grazing system in eastern NSW. 1. Ground cover and pastures.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Davey, C., Sinclair, A. R. E., Pech, R. P., Arthurs, A. D., Krebs, C. J., Newsome, A. E., Hik, D., Molsher, R., and Allcock, K. (2006). Do exotic vertebrates structure the biota of Australia? An experimental test in New South Wales. Ecosystems 9, 992–1008.
Do exotic vertebrates structure the biota of Australia? An experimental test in New South Wales.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Davis, M. A., Chew, M. K., Hobbs, R. J., Lugo, A. E., Ewel, J. J., Vermeij, G. J., Brown, J. H., Rosenzweig, M. L., Gardener, M. R., Carroll, S. P., Thompson, K., Pickett, S. T. A., Stromberg, J. C., Del Tredici, P., Suding, K. N., Ehrenfeld, J. G., Grime, J. P., Mascaro, J., and Briggs, J. C. (2011). Don’t judge species on their origins. Nature 474, 153–154.
Don’t judge species on their origins.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXntFKltrs%3D&md5=1312fe4343942f5597136ce754c04402CAS |

Dawson, T. J., and Ellis, B. A. (1979). Comparison of the diets of yellow-footed rock wallabies and sympatric herbivores in western New South Wales. Australian Wildlife Research 6, 245–254.
Comparison of the diets of yellow-footed rock wallabies and sympatric herbivores in western New South Wales.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Delibes-Mateos, M., Redpath, S., Angulo, E., Ferreras, P., and Villafuerte, R. (2007). Rabbits as a key-stone species in southern Europe. Biological Conservation 137, 149–156.
Rabbits as a key-stone species in southern Europe.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dellafiore, C. M., Gallego-Fernandez, J. B., and Moñoz-Valles, S. (2010). The rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) as a seed disperser in a coastal dune system. Plant Ecology 206, 251–261.
The rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) as a seed disperser in a coastal dune system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Denham, A. J., and Auld, T. D. (2004). Survival and recruitment of seedlings and suckers of trees and shrubs of the Australian arid zone following habitat management and the outbreak of rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD). Austral Ecology 29, 585–599.
Survival and recruitment of seedlings and suckers of trees and shrubs of the Australian arid zone following habitat management and the outbreak of rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Edwards, G. P., Dobbie, W., and Berman, D. McK. (2002). Warren ripping: its impacts on wild European rabbits and other wildlife amid the establishment of rabbit haemorrhagic disease. Wildlife Research 29, 567–575.
Warren ripping: its impacts on wild European rabbits and other wildlife amid the establishment of rabbit haemorrhagic disease.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Eldridge, D. (2006). Restoration of rabbit warrens likely to be a slow process. Rangelands Management Newsletter , 9.

Eldridge, D. J., and Myers, C. A. (2001). The impact of warrens of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) on soil and ecological processes in a semi-arid Australian woodland. Journal of Arid Environments 47, 325–337.
The impact of warrens of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) on soil and ecological processes in a semi-arid Australian woodland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Eldridge, D. J., and Simpson, R. (2002). Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) impact on vegetation and soils, and implications for management of wooded rangelands. Basic and Applied Ecology 3, 19–29.
Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) impact on vegetation and soils, and implications for management of wooded rangelands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fenner, F., and Fantini, B. (1999). ‘Biological Control of Vertebrate Pests: the History of Myxomatosis, an Experiment in Evolution.’ (CABI Publishing: Wallingford, UK.)

Fisher, D. O., Blomberg, S. P., and Owens, P. F. (2003). Extrinsic versus intrinsic factors in the decline and extinction of Australian marsupials. Proceedings. Biological Sciences 270, 1801–1808.
Extrinsic versus intrinsic factors in the decline and extinction of Australian marsupials.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Foran, B. D., Low, W. A., and Strong, B. W. (1985). The response of rabbit populations and vegetation to rabbit control on a calcareous shrubby grassland in central Australia. Australian Wildlife Research 12, 237–247.
The response of rabbit populations and vegetation to rabbit control on a calcareous shrubby grassland in central Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gálvez, L., López Pintor, A., De Miguel, J. M., Alonso, G., Rueda, M., Rebollo, S., and Gomez-Sal, A. (2008). Ecosystem engineering effects of European rabbits in a Mediterranean habitat. In ‘Lagomorph Biology: Evolution, Conservation and Conservation’. (Eds P. Alves, N. Ferrand and K. Hackländer.) pp. 125–139. (Springer-Verlag: Berlin.)

Gálvez Bravo, L., Bellieure, J., and Rebollo, S. (2009). European rabbits as ecosystem engineers: warrens increase lizard density and diversity. Biodiversity and Conservation 18, 869–885.
European rabbits as ecosystem engineers: warrens increase lizard density and diversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Garkaklis, M. J., Bradley, J. S., and Wooller, R. D. (2004). Digging and soil turnover by a mycophagous marsupial. Journal of Arid Environments 56, 569–578.
Digging and soil turnover by a mycophagous marsupial.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gibson, M., and Florentine, S. (2008). ‘Age Distribution of Slender Cypress Pine Callitris gracilis within Pine Plains, Wyperfield National Park.’ (Centre for Environmental Management, University of Ballarat: Ballarat, Vic.) Prepared for Department of Sustainability and Environment.

Grillet, P., Cheylan, M., Thiron, J.-M., Doré, F., Bonnet, X., Dauge, C., Chollet, S., and Marchand, M. (2010). Rabbit burrows or artificial refuges are a critical habitat for the threatened lizard Timon lepidus (Sauria, Lacertidae). Biodiversity and Conservation 19, 2039–2051.
Rabbit burrows or artificial refuges are a critical habitat for the threatened lizard Timon lepidus (Sauria, Lacertidae).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hall, E. A. A., Specht, R. L., and Eardley, C. M. (1964). Regeneration of the vegetation on Koonamore Vegetation Reserve, 1926–1962. Australian Journal of Botany 12, 205–264.
Regeneration of the vegetation on Koonamore Vegetation Reserve, 1926–1962.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Henzell, R. P. (2002). A reconstruction of mulga regeneration. Segments 18, 5–7.

Holden, C., and Mutze, G. (2002). The impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease on introduced predators in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. Wildlife Research 29, 615–626.
The impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease on introduced predators in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Holmgren, M., Aviles, R., Sierralta, L., Segura, A. M., and Fuentes, E. R. (2000). Why have European herbs so successfully invaded the Chilean matorral? Effects of herbivory, soil nutrients, and fire. Journal of Arid Environments 44, 197–211.
Why have European herbs so successfully invaded the Chilean matorral? Effects of herbivory, soil nutrients, and fire.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

James, A. I., and Eldridge, D. J. (2007). Reintroduction of fossorial native mammals and potential impacts on ecosystem processes in an Australian desert landscape. Biological Conservation 138, 351–359.
Reintroduction of fossorial native mammals and potential impacts on ecosystem processes in an Australian desert landscape.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

James, A. I., Eldridge, D. J., and Hill, B. (2009). Animal foraging pits as sinks for litter and nutrients in an Australian desert shrubland. Ecography 32, 23–32.

James, A. I., Eldridge, D. J., and Moseby, K. E. (2010). Foraging pits, litter, and plant germination in an arid shrubland. Journal of Arid Environments 74, 516–520.
Foraging pits, litter, and plant germination in an arid shrubland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Johnson, C. N., and Isaac, J. L. (2009). Body mass and extinction risk in Australian marsupials: the ‘critical weight range revisited’. Austral Ecology 34, 35–40.
Body mass and extinction risk in Australian marsupials: the ‘critical weight range revisited’.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Johnston, T. N. (1968). The effect of sheep and rabbit grazing on regeneration of white cypress pine. Australian Forestry Research 4, 3–12.

Jones, F. W. (1969). ‘The Mammals of South Australia. Parts I–III.’ Photolitho reprint. (Government Printer: Adelaide.)

Kellner, C. V., and Shapiro, A. M. (1983). Ecological interactions of Pieris brassicae L (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) and native pierini in Chile. Studies on Neotropical Fauna and Environment 18, 53–64.
Ecological interactions of Pieris brassicae L (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) and native pierini in Chile.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Land Conservation Council (1989). Mallee areas review final recommendations. Land Conservation Council, Melbourne, Victoria.

Lange, R. T., and Graham, C. R. (1983). Rabbits and the failure of regeneration in Australian arid zone Acacia. Australian Journal of Ecology 8, 377–381.
Rabbits and the failure of regeneration in Australian arid zone Acacia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lange, R. T., and Purdie, R. (1976). Western myall (Acacia sowdenii), its survival prospects and management needs. The Australian Rangeland Journal 1, 64–69.
Western myall (Acacia sowdenii), its survival prospects and management needs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lees, A. C., and Bell, D. J. (2008). A conservation paradox for the 21st century: the European wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, an invasive alien and an endangered native species. Mammal Review 38, 304–320.
A conservation paradox for the 21st century: the European wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, an invasive alien and an endangered native species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Leigh, J. H., Wimbush, D. J., Wood, D. H., Holgate, M. D., Slee, A. V., Stanger, M. G., and Forrester, R. I. (1987). Effect of rabbit grazing and fire on a sub-alpine environment. 1. Herbaceous and shrubby vegetation. Australian Journal of Botany 35, 433–464.
Effect of rabbit grazing and fire on a sub-alpine environment. 1. Herbaceous and shrubby vegetation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Leigh, J. H., Wood, D. H., Holgate, M. D., Slee, A., and Stanger, M. D. (1989). Effects of rabbit and kangaroo grazing in two semi-arid grassland communities in central western New South Wales. Australian Journal of Botany 37, 375–398.
Effects of rabbit and kangaroo grazing in two semi-arid grassland communities in central western New South Wales.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lerdau, M., and Wickham, J. D. (2011). Non-natives: four risk factors. Nature 475, 36–37.
Non-natives: four risk factors.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXosFehtb8%3D&md5=4bac05c0fbb82772d0d7636befed8226CAS |

Mallet, K. J., and Cooke, B. D. (1986). ‘The Ecology of the Common Wombat in South Australia.’ (Nature Conservation Society of South Australia: Adelaide.)

Martínez, R. (2009). Conejos arrasan la región. Caza Castilla – La Mancha , 52–55.

Martínez, J. A., and Zubergoitia, I. (2001). The response of the eagle owl (Bubo bubo) to an outbreak of rabbit haemorrhagic disease. Journal fur Ornithologie 142, 204–211.
The response of the eagle owl (Bubo bubo) to an outbreak of rabbit haemorrhagic disease.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

McPhee, S. L., and Butler, K. L. (2010). Long-term impact of coordinated warren ripping programs on rabbit populations. Wildlife Research 37, 68–75.
Long-term impact of coordinated warren ripping programs on rabbit populations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Morel, A. (1956). L’influence de l’épidémie de myxomatose sur la flore française. Terre et la vie 103, 226–238.

Moreno, S., Beltrán, J. F., Cotilla, I., Kuffner, B., Laffite, R., Jordán, G., Ayala, J., Quintero, C., Jiménez, A., Castro, F., Cabezas, S., and Villafuerte, R. (2007). Long-term decline of the European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in south-western Spain. Wildlife Research 34, 652–658.
Long-term decline of the European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in south-western Spain.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Moseby, K. E., Owen, H., Brandle, R., Bice, J. K., and Gates, J. (2006). Variation in population dynamics and movement patterns between two geographically isolated populations of the hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus). Wildlife Research 33, 223–232.
Variation in population dynamics and movement patterns between two geographically isolated populations of the hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Moseby, K. E., Hill, B. M., and Read, J. L. (2009). A comparison of reptile and small mammal populations inside and outside a large rabbit-, cat- and fox-proof exclosure in arid South Australia. Austral Ecology 34, 156–169.
A comparison of reptile and small mammal populations inside and outside a large rabbit-, cat- and fox-proof exclosure in arid South Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Munro, N. T., Moseby, K. E., and Read, J. L. (2009). The effects of browsing by feral and re-introduced native herbivores on seedling survivorship in the Australian rangelands. The Rangeland Journal 31, 417–426.
The effects of browsing by feral and re-introduced native herbivores on seedling survivorship in the Australian rangelands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Murdoch, F. A. (2005). Restoration ecology in the semi-arid woodlands of north-west Victoria. Ph.D. University of Ballarat, Ballarat, Vic.

Mutze, G. J. (1991). Long-term effects of rabbit warren ripping for rabbit control in semi-arid South Australia. The Australian Rangeland Journal 13, 96–106.
Long-term effects of rabbit warren ripping for rabbit control in semi-arid South Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mutze, G., Cooke, B., and Alexander, P. (1998). The initial impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease on rabbit populations in South Australia. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 34, 421–428.

Mutze, G., Bird, P., Cooke, B., and Henzell, R. (2008). Geographic and seasonal variation in the impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease on European rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, and rabbit damage in Australia. In ‘Lagomorph Biology: Evolution, Ecology and Conservation’. (Eds P. C. Alves, N. Ferrand and K. Hackländer.) pp. 279–293. (Springer-Verlag: Berlin.)

Myers, K., and Poole, W. E. (1963). A study of the biology of the wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.) in confined populations. IV. The effects of rabbit grazing on sown pastures. Journal of Ecology 51, 435–451.
A study of the biology of the wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.) in confined populations. IV. The effects of rabbit grazing on sown pastures.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Newsome, A., Pech, R., Smyth, R., Banks, P., and Dickman, C. (1997). Potential impacts on Australian native fauna of rabbit calicivirus disease. Report to the Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra.

Noble, I. (1977). Long-term biomass dynamics in an arid chenopod shrub community at Koonamore, South Australia. Australian Journal of Botany 25, 639–653.
Long-term biomass dynamics in an arid chenopod shrub community at Koonamore, South Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Olsen, P. (2005). ‘Wedge-tailed Eagle.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne.)

Olsen, P. D., and Marples, T. G. (1992). Alteration in clutch size in raptors in response to changes in prey availability: evidence from control of a broad-scale rabbit infestation. Wildlife Research 19, 129–135.
Alteration in clutch size in raptors in response to changes in prey availability: evidence from control of a broad-scale rabbit infestation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ortega, E., Mañosa, S., Margalida, A., and Sánchez, R. (2009). A demographic description of recovery of the vulnerable Spanish imperial eagle Aquila adalberti. Oryx 43, 113–121.
A demographic description of recovery of the vulnerable Spanish imperial eagle Aquila adalberti.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Palomares, F., Rodriguez, A., Laffitte, R., and Delibes, M. (1991). The status and distribution of the Iberian lynx, Felis pardina (Temminck) in Coto Doñana Area, SW Spain. Biological Conservation 57, 159–169.
The status and distribution of the Iberian lynx, Felis pardina (Temminck) in Coto Doñana Area, SW Spain.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pech, R. P., and Hood, G. M. (1998). Foxes, rabbits, alternative prey and rabbit calicivirus disease: consequences for a new biological control agent for an outbreaking species in Australia. Journal of Applied Ecology 35, 434–453.
Foxes, rabbits, alternative prey and rabbit calicivirus disease: consequences for a new biological control agent for an outbreaking species in Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pierce, N. E., and Nash, D. R. (1999). The imperial blue: Jalmenus evagoras (Lycaenidae). Chapter 15. In ‘Biology of Australian Butterflies’. (Eds R. L. Kitching, E. Scheermeyer, R. E. Jones and N. E. Pierce.) pp. 277–313. (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne.)

Ratcliffe, F. (1938). ‘Flying Fox and Drifting Sand: the Adventures of a Biologist in Australia.’ (Angus and Robertson: Sydney.)

Read, J. L. (2003). ‘Red Sand, Green Heart: Ecological Adventures in the Outback.’ (Lothian Books: Adelaide.)

Read, J., and Bowen, Z. (2001). Population dynamics, diet and aspects of the biology of feral cats and foxes in arid South Australia. Wildlife Research 28, 195–201.
Population dynamics, diet and aspects of the biology of feral cats and foxes in arid South Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Read, J. L., Carter, J., Moseby, K. M., and Greenville, A. (2008). Ecological roles of rabbit, bettong and bilby warrens in arid Australia. Journal of Arid Environments 72, 2124–2130.
Ecological roles of rabbit, bettong and bilby warrens in arid Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Read, J. L., Moseby, K. E., Biffra, J., Kilpatrick, A. D., and Freeman, A. (2011). Eradication of rabbits from landscape scale exclosures: pipe dream or possibility? Ecological Management & Restoration 12, 46–53.
Eradication of rabbits from landscape scale exclosures: pipe dream or possibility?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Reid, N. (1990). Mutualistic interdependence between mistletoes (Amyema quandang), and spiny-cheeked honeyeaters and mistletoe birds in an arid woodland. Australian Journal of Ecology 15, 175–190.
Mutualistic interdependence between mistletoes (Amyema quandang), and spiny-cheeked honeyeaters and mistletoe birds in an arid woodland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Richards, G. C. (1979). Variation in water turnover by wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, in an arid environment, due to season, age group and reproductive condition. Australian Wildlife Research 6, 289–296.
Variation in water turnover by wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, in an arid environment, due to season, age group and reproductive condition.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Robley, A. J., Short, J., and Bradley, S. (2001). Dietary overlap between burrowing bettong (Bettongia lesueur) and European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in semi-arid coastal Western Australia. Wildlife Research 28, 341–349.
Dietary overlap between burrowing bettong (Bettongia lesueur) and European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in semi-arid coastal Western Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Robley, A. J., Short, J., and Bradley, S. (2002). Do European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) influence the population ecology of the burrowing bettong (Bettongia lesueur)? Wildlife Research 29, 423–429.
Do European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) influence the population ecology of the burrowing bettong (Bettongia lesueur)?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Robley, A., Reddiex, B., Arthur, T., Pech, R., and Forsyth, D. (2004) Interactions between feral cats, foxes, native carnivores and rabbits in Australia. Final report to the Department of Environment and Heritage, Department for Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne, Vic.

Ryan, S. A., Moseby, K. E., and Paton, D. C. (2003). Comparative foraging preferences of the greater stick-nest rat Leporillus conditor and the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus: implications for regeneration of arid lands. Australian Mammalogy 25, 135–146.

Sandell, P. (2006). Promoting woodland recovery in the Victorian mallee parks. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 118, 313–321.

Sandell, P. (2011). Victoria’s rangelands: In recovery or in transition? Report from a Parks Victoria Sabbatical project. Parks Victoria, Melbourne.

Sharp, A., Gibson, L., Norton, N., Ryan, B., Marks, A., and Semeraro, L. (2002). The breeding season diet of wedge-tailed eagles (Aquila audax) in western New South Wales and the influence of rabbit calicivirus disease. Wildlife Research 29, 175–184.
The breeding season diet of wedge-tailed eagles (Aquila audax) in western New South Wales and the influence of rabbit calicivirus disease.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Short, J. (1985). The functional response of sheep, kangaroos and rabbits in an arid grazing system. Journal of Applied Ecology 22, 435–447.
The functional response of sheep, kangaroos and rabbits in an arid grazing system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Silander, J. A. (1983). Demographic variation in the Australian desert cassia under grazing pressure. Oecologia 60, 227–233.
Demographic variation in the Australian desert cassia under grazing pressure.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sinclair, R. (2005). Long-term changes in vegetation, gradual and episodic, on the TGB Osborn Vegetation Reserve, Koonamore, South Australia (1926–2002). Australian Journal of Botany 53, 283–296.
Long-term changes in vegetation, gradual and episodic, on the TGB Osborn Vegetation Reserve, Koonamore, South Australia (1926–2002).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

South Australia (1898). Report of the Pastoral Lands Commission; together with minutes of proceedings, evidence and appendices. Ordered by the House of Assembly, 23 June 1898. Government Printer, Adelaide.

Steele, W., and Baker-Gabb, D. (2009). A national community-based survey of the diurnal birds of prey (BOP Watch). Boobook 27, 23–24.

Sumption, K. J., and Flowerdew, J. R. (1985). The ecological effects of the decline of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) due to myxomatosis. Mammal Review 15, 151–186.
The ecological effects of the decline of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) due to myxomatosis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Thompson, H. V. (1994). The rabbit in Britain. In ‘The European Rabbit. The History and Biology of a Successful Colonizer’. (Eds H. V. Thompson and C. M. King.) pp. 64–107. (Oxford University Press: NY.)

Tiver, F., and Andrew, M. H. (1997). Relative effects of herbivory by sheep, rabbits, goats and kangaroos on recruitment and regeneration of shrubs and trees in eastern South Australia. Journal of Applied Ecology 34, 903–914.
Relative effects of herbivory by sheep, rabbits, goats and kangaroos on recruitment and regeneration of shrubs and trees in eastern South Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tiver, F., and Keiermeyer, A. (2006). Survivorship of seedlings of false sandalwood (Myoporum platycarpum) in the chenopod shrublands grazed by sheep, kangaroos and rabbits at Whyalla, South Australia. Austral Ecology 31, 376–387.
Survivorship of seedlings of false sandalwood (Myoporum platycarpum) in the chenopod shrublands grazed by sheep, kangaroos and rabbits at Whyalla, South Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tunbridge, D. (1991). ‘The Story of the Flinders Ranges Mammals.’ (Kangaroo Press: Sydney.)

Twigg, L. E., Lowe, T. J., and Martin, G. R. (2009). The presence and implications of viable seed in the faeces of invasive free-ranging European rabbits and red foxes. Pacific Conservation Biology 15, 158–170.

Verdú, J. R., Numa, C., Lobo, J. M., Martinez-Azorín, M., and Galante, E. (2009). Interactions between rabbits and dung beetles influence the establishment of Erodium praecox. Journal of Arid Environments 73, 713–718.
Interactions between rabbits and dung beetles influence the establishment of Erodium praecox.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Williams, C. K., and Moore, R. J. (1995). Effectiveness and cost-efficiency of control of the wild rabbit Orytolagus cuniculus (L.) by combinations of poisoning, ripping fumigation and maintenance fumigation. Wildlife Research 22, 253–269.
Effectiveness and cost-efficiency of control of the wild rabbit Orytolagus cuniculus (L.) by combinations of poisoning, ripping fumigation and maintenance fumigation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Williams, K., Parer, I., Coman, B., Burley, J., and Braysher, M. (1995). ‘Managing Vertebrate Pests: Rabbits.’ Bureau of Resource Sciences and CSIRO Division of Wildlife Research. (Australian Government Publishing Service: Canberra.)

Wimbush, D. J., and Forrester, R. I. (1988). Effects of rabbit grazing and fire on a sub-alpine environment. II. Tree vegetation. Australian Journal of Botany 36, 287–298.
Effects of rabbit grazing and fire on a sub-alpine environment. II. Tree vegetation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Woinarski, J. C. Z., and Braithwaite, R. W. (1990). Conservation foci for Australian birds and mammals. Search 2, 65–68.