European rabbit
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major reference
- In lagomorph: Natural history
…commonly recognized forms are the European rabbit (O. cuniculus) and the cottontail rabbits of the Western Hemisphere (genus Sylvilagus).
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Australian desert fauna
- In desert: Fauna
…desert areas today is the European rabbit, which was introduced by humans. Various native species of rabbit and hare are typical occupants of most other desert regions. Camels have been introduced and are also well established in Australian deserts; this region is now the only place where camels occur in…
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bilbies
- In bilby: Conservation status
The bilby and the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), an invasive species that has become an agricultural pest in Australia, are known to compete with one another for food. In 1991 members of the organization Foundation for Rabbit-Free Australia Inc. started a campaign to replace the “Easter bunny” in Australia…
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biological control
- In population ecology: Population cycles
The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was introduced into Australia in the 1800s, and its population grew unchecked, wreaking havoc on agricultural and pasture lands. The myxoma virus subsequently was released among the rabbit populations and greatly reduced them. Populations of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) in…
Read More - In community ecology: Parasite-host interactions
…evolution of myxoma virus in rabbits in Australia shows how quickly coevolution of parasites and hosts can proceed to a new outcome, in this case intermediate virulence. European rabbits were introduced into Australia in the 1800s. In the absence of parasites and predators that had kept their numbers in check…
Read More - In animal disease: Disease prevention, control, and eradication
Successful biological control of the European-rabbit population in Australia has been accomplished through the use of the myxomatosis virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes the formation of malignant tumours. Although the Brazilian white rabbit is relatively unaffected by the virus, it causes rapid death in the European rabbit.…
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conservation and extinction issues
- In conservation: Australian mammals
Moreover, European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) introduced in the mid-19th century are competitors of the native mammals, and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) introduced about the same time has likely destroyed native small-mammal populations even in remote areas. Where foxes are absent in Australia or where their numbers have…
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dingoes
- In dingo
…with the introduction of the European rabbit (genus Oryctolagus) into Australia in the mid-19th century. Now dingoes consume mostly rabbits and small rodents. Through competition, they may have contributed to the extermination of the Tasmanian wolf (thylacine) and Tasmanian devil, both marsupials
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invasive species
- In invasive species: A global problem
European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), which originally inhabited southern Europe and North Africa, were deliberately introduced into Australia in 1827 to serve as a familiar elements for settlers in a new land, and the rabbits multiplied significantly. Over time, they degraded grazing lands by stripping…
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life cycle of the European rabbit flea
rabbits
- In rabbit: Natural history
While the European rabbit is the best-known species, it is probably also the least typical, as there is considerable variability in the natural history of rabbits. Many rabbits dig burrows, but cottontails and hispid hares do not. The European rabbit constructs the most extensive burrow systems, called…
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