Why Were Rabbits Considered A Threat In Australia?

The shockingly fast breeding of rabbits and their resulting population along with their diverse taste in vegetables were the main reasons why Australians considered them as absolute threats. In the 18th century, three pairs of rabbits were introduced in the continent of Australia. The resulting multiplication and breeding went on at such a rapid pace that combining with the additional rabbits that were brought to the place, the total rabbit population spread over most of the continent and became a major cause of damage.

There were attempts made in Australia to encumber this ever-growing menace but all strategies failed. Nevertheless in the early 1950's a disease called myxamatosis was introduced to the continent. This very virus is a specific parasite of the rabbit, which comes from the mosquito and also the rabbit flea. The virus was so perilous and harmful that within three years nearly 80 percent of the rabbit population died. However there was still a specific category of rabbits, which were resistant to the very strain and continued to survive, becoming a serious problem again.
Although they caused vast damages but the export of their skins was a profitable trade, through which Australians managed to recover a large part of the damages done to them by rabbits

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