Thomas Austin was an Australian farmowner and hunting enthusiast who is generally credited with the introduction of rabbits into Australia in 1859. While living in England, Austin had been an avid hunter, regularly dedicating his weekends to rabbit shooting. Upon arriving in Australia, which had no native rabbit population, Austin asked his brother in England to send him 24 grey rabbits, five hares, 72 partridges and some sparrows so that he could continue his hobby in Australia by creating a local population of the species. A European Rabbit in Australia In Australia, rabbits are the most serious mammalian pests, an invasive species, and are responsible for the extinction of about as many native animals as the fox. ... 1859 (MDCCCLIX) is a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Because the rabbits had no natural predators in Australia, the population exploded. In 1867 Austin killed 14,362 rabbits on his property alone. By 1858, 8000 square kilometres of Victorian farm land had been rendered unusable because of the infestation of rabbits. In 1907 the Western Australian government attempted to combat the problem by building a fence to contain the rabbits between Cape Keraudren in the north and Starvation Boat Harbour in the south, some 1,833 km long. Due to damage from storms, sand shifts, and local wildlife however, the fence failed in its goal to contain the problem. 1867 (MDCCCLXVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... 1858 (MDCCCLVIII) is a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Sunday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Motto: Peace and Prosperity Other Australian states and territories Capital Melbourne Governor HE Mr John Landy Premier Steve Bracks (ALP) Area 237,629 km² (6th)  - Land 227,416 km²  - Water 10,213 km² (4. ... 1907 (MCMVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Motto: Cygnis Insignis (Distinguished by its swans) (not included on official coat of arms) Other Australian states and territories Capital Perth Governor HE Lieutenant General John Sanderson Premier Dr Geoff Gallop (ALP) Area 2,645,615 km² (1st)  - Land 2,529,875 km²  - Water 115,740 km² (4. ... Photo of the Rabbit proof fence, taken in 1927 For the movie, see Rabbit-Proof Fence (film) The State Barrier Fence of Western Australia, formerly known as the No. ... Pierre François Keraudren (1769 – 1858) was a scientist and physician in the French Navy. ...

See also

Rabbits in Australia A European Rabbit in Australia In Australia, rabbits are the most serious mammalian pests, an invasive species, and are responsible for the extinction of about as many native animals as the fox. ...

References

• Karl Trek at abc.net.au