"Imported 24 Rabbits for Hunting... 200 Million Rabbits Cover Australia 160 Years Later"

Thousands of Wild Species Imported from the UK in 3 Years
Retain Genetic Traits
"The Most Iconic and Destructive Invasive Species Incident in History"

The current population of wild rabbits living in Australia is estimated to be about 200 million. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. [Source=Captured from the Australian National Museum website]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Gun-chan] The population of wild rabbits living in Australia is estimated to have reached about 200 million as 24 rabbits imported from the UK for hunting rapidly reproduced. There are suggestions that 'biosecurity' policies to protect biodiversity must be maintained.

According to recent reports by the US CNN, a study tracking the proliferation of Australian rabbits genetically has been published.

Researchers including Joel Alves from Oxford University genetically traced the proliferation process of invasive rabbits that nearly destroyed Australia's existing ecosystem in a paper recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

According to historical records, five rabbits landed on Australian soil in 1788 along with a British fleet that arrived at Sydney Harbor. Over about 70 years, at least 90 imports of European rabbit species were confirmed to have been introduced and settled in some regions.

However, most of the wild rabbits now covering almost all of Australia are analyzed to have descended from 24 rabbits brought in by livestock farmer Thomas Austin.

Austin, born in the UK and settled in colonial Australia, imported 24 rabbits from his homeland in 1859 for hunting purposes. The rabbits released on Melbourne land multiplied to thousands within three years and continued to reproduce at an incredible rate. After more than 160 years, the wild rabbit population in Australia is estimated to be about 200 million.

The researchers explained, "The mass habitation of European rabbits in Australia is one of the most symbolic and destructive invasive species events in history," adding, "Invasive species invasions are a major cause of environmental and economic destruction."

The research team focused on the genetic composition of the invasive rabbits. They analyzed, "The rabbits brought by Austin did not lose the genetic traits of wild species that can evade predators," and "They were able to show excellent vitality in the harsh fields of the Australian continent." Previously, the rabbit species living in Australia had domesticated traits such as docile temperament, drooping ears, and brightly colored fur.

The Australian authorities, troubled by rabbits devastating the grasslands, attempted eradication by introducing natural predators like foxes or spreading viruses, but repeatedly failed.

The researchers suggested, "A single person's actions can have a destructive impact on the environment," and "To protect global biodiversity, strict 'biosecurity' policies (restrictions on biological movement between regions) must be maintained."