Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia's rabbit-proof fence, now called the State Barrier Fence, was erected in the early 1900s to keep wild rabbits out of farmland in Western Australia. The fence, which stretches for 3,256 km, was built in response to the overpopulation of rabbits, which were destroying crops and degrading pasture land. Rabbits were introduced to Australia in 1788 and became a problem in 1859 when an English settler released 24 wild rabbits on his property for hunting purposes. Despite the fence, rabbits continued to spread across the country, and today, they remain a persistent issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for building the fence | To keep wild rabbits out of farmlands on the western side of the continent |
| Date of construction | 1901-1907 |
| Length | 3,256 km |
| Number of fences | 3 |
| Fence type | Barbed wire |
| Fence name | Rabbit-proof fence, now called the State Barrier Fence |
| Fence effectiveness | Not effective in keeping rabbits out |
| Fence maintenance | Individual landholders and regional councils |
| Pest control methods | Shooting, destroying warrens, fumigation, hunting with ferrets, trapping, ring-fencing |
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What You'll Learn
Rabbits were introduced to Australia in 1788
Rabbits were first introduced to Australia in 1788 by the First Fleet. They were bred as food animals, likely in cages. However, they did not become a problem until October 1859 when Thomas Austin, an English settler, released 24 wild rabbits from England on his property in Victoria for hunting purposes. Austin believed that "the introduction of a few rabbits could do little harm and might provide a touch of home, in addition to a spot of hunting."
At the time, Australia had ideal conditions for a rabbit population explosion. The mild winters allowed rabbits to breed all year round, and the widespread farming practices provided an abundance of food. Additionally, the absence of local predators meant that the rabbits could proliferate unchecked. Within a decade of their introduction, rabbits had become extremely prolific and spread rapidly across the southern parts of the country.
The rapid increase in the rabbit population led to significant agricultural losses, prompting the New South Wales Government to offer a reward of £25,000 (equivalent to $3,900,000 in 2022) in 1887 for an effective method of exterminating rabbits. A Royal Commission was held in 1901 to address the situation, and construction of the rabbit-proof fence began that same year.
The rabbit-proof fence, now known as the State Barrier Fence, was erected in the early 1900s to keep wild rabbits out of farmland in Western Australia. It stretches for a total length of 3,256 kilometers, dividing the continent into two unequal parts. While the fence was intended to be a barrier against rabbits and other invasive species, it ultimately proved ineffective in the long term. Rabbits were already found west of the fence line by 1902, and they continued to spread despite the fence's presence.
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Thomas Austin released 24 wild rabbits in 1859
Rabbits were first introduced to Australia in 1788 by the First Fleet. However, they became a problem in October 1859 when Thomas Austin, an English settler, released 24 wild rabbits from England on his property in Victoria, Australia. Austin believed that "the introduction of a few rabbits could do little harm and might provide a touch of home, in addition to a spot of hunting".
Austin's guests were entertained by hunting the rabbits, but the rabbits soon multiplied out of control. Within three years, thousands of rabbits were hopping about, and by 1865, Austin was boasting of killing 20,000 bunnies on his property. The rabbits spread rapidly across the southern parts of the country, and by 1887, agricultural losses from rabbit damage were so great that the New South Wales government offered a £25,000 reward for an effective method of extermination.
Genetic analysis has revealed that the rabbits introduced by Austin had a large amount of wild ancestry, which primed them for invasion. In contrast, earlier Australian rabbits had domesticated traits such as floppy ears and fancy-coloured fur, suggesting they may have been too tame to adapt to the wild landscape.
To try and contain the rabbit plague, the Western Australian government commissioned the construction of the Rabbit-Proof Fence in the early 1900s. The fence stretched for a total length of 3,256 km, dividing the entire continent into two unequal parts. However, the fence was ultimately ineffective in stopping the spread of rabbits, and they continued to advance into Western Australia.
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The Rabbit-Proof Fence was built in the early 1900s
The Rabbit-Proof Fence, now known as the State Barrier Fence, was built in Western Australia in the early 1900s to keep wild rabbits out of farmland. Stretching a total length of 3,256 km, it was erected to divide the continent in two and protect farmers' crops from rabbits and other invasive species.
Rabbits were introduced to Australia by the First Fleet in 1788, but they became a problem in October 1859 when Thomas Austin released 24 wild rabbits from England for hunting purposes. With no local predators, rabbits proliferated and spread rapidly across the southern regions of the country. By 1887, agricultural losses from rabbit damage were significant, and the New South Wales government offered a large reward for an effective solution to the rabbit problem.
A Royal Commission was held in 1901 to address the issue, and it was decided to build a barrier fence across the state. Construction of the fence began that year and was completed in 1907. The fence stretched 1,824 km from the south coast to the northwest coast of Western Australia. Despite these efforts, the fence was ultimately ineffective at keeping rabbits out, and they continued to spread throughout the country.
The fence was maintained by inspectors and boundary riders who regularly patrolled the fence by bicycle, camel, or camel-drawn buggy. While the fence was unsuccessful in its primary goal, it has become a significant part of Australian history and is now associated with the 'Stolen Generation', as depicted in the 2002 film "Rabbit-Proof Fence".
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The fence was ineffective at keeping rabbits out
Australia has a long history of trying to control its rabbit population. The country's ideal conditions for rabbit procreation—mild winters and extensive farming—led to a rapid explosion in the rabbit population, which constituted an invasive species. Rabbits were first introduced to Australia by the First Fleet in 1788, and became a problem after Thomas Austin released 24 wild rabbits from England for hunting purposes in 1859.
In response to the growing rabbit population, the Western Australian government commissioned the construction of the Rabbit-Proof Fence in 1901. The fence was erected in the early 1900s to keep wild rabbits out of farmland on the western side of the continent. It stretched for a total length of 3,256 km, dividing the entire continent into two unequal parts.
Despite its impressive length, the fence was ineffective at keeping rabbits out of Western Australia. Even while construction was underway, rabbits were hopping into regions that the fence was intended to protect. By 1902, rabbits had already breached Fence No. 1 before its construction was completed. Fence No. 2 did largely keep rabbits out of farmland, but it too was eventually breached.
The fence's ineffectiveness can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, European rabbits can both jump very high and burrow underground, making it difficult to contain them with a fence. Additionally, farmers or graziers may have left gates open for livestock or machinery, allowing rabbits to enter. Furthermore, the fence was not continuously monitored, with inspectors responsible for large sections, making it challenging to promptly identify and repair any breaches.
While the Rabbit-Proof Fence failed to achieve its primary objective of keeping rabbits out, it continues to play a role in pest control, protecting against other invasive species such as dingoes, kangaroos, emus, and wild dogs.
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Other methods were used to control rabbit populations
The rabbit population in Australia has been a long-standing issue, with rabbits being first introduced in 1788. While the Rabbit-Proof Fence was one method to control their population, other methods have also been used and continue to be used to manage the issue.
One method is trapping, which is most effective when rabbits are food-stressed, especially in late winter. Rabbit traps should be checked daily to remove captured rabbits and replenish bait. Effective baits include dry ears of corn, fresh and dried apples, carrots, cabbage, alfalfa, clover, and other fresh, green vegetables.
Another method is habitat modification, which is especially effective in suburban areas where fewer suitable habitats are available. This involves removing piles of brush or stones, patches of weeds, dumps, and other debris where rabbits live and hide. Vegetation along the banks of ditches and fences should also be controlled to eliminate rabbit habitats in agricultural settings.
Fencing is another popular method to keep rabbits out. A well-constructed fence made of welded wire, chain link, hog wire, or chicken wire supported by posts every six to eight feet is strong enough to keep rabbits out. Movable fence panels can also be used temporarily right after planting when damage is likely to be most severe.
Chemical repellents can also be used to protect small plots and individual plants, although most repellents are not registered for use on plants intended for human consumption. Taste-based repellents make the plant less palatable for rabbits and are typically applied directly to the plant. Examples include those containing capsaicin or extract from hot peppers, such as Deer Off™, Get Away™, and Scoot™.
Other methods to control rabbit populations include baiting, which is the most effective way to crash rabbit populations. Toxic baits are laid out, and the next morning, signs of rabbit activity and uptake are assessed. Scare devices such as scare tape, balloons, or pinwheels might also be used to frighten rabbits away from an area.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australia built a fence known as the Rabbit-Proof Fence to keep out rabbits.
Rabbits were introduced to Australia in 1788 and became a problem after Thomas Austin released 24 wild rabbits from England for hunting purposes in 1859. With no local predators, the rabbits bred prolifically and spread across the country. By 1887, agricultural losses from rabbit damage were significant. The Rabbit-Proof Fence was built to control the rabbit population and protect farmland.
The Rabbit-Proof Fence was built between 1901 and 1907. It stretches for a total length of 3,256 kilometres, dividing Western Australia from the rest of the continent.
No, the Rabbit-Proof Fence was ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the spread of rabbits. Even during construction, rabbits were found in regions the fence was intended to protect. While Fence No. 2 did initially keep rabbits out of farmland, it was eventually breached as well. Other methods, such as shooting, trapping, and biological control measures, have also been employed to varying degrees of success.
