The Australian Rabbit Invasion: A Tale of Ecological Chaos and Human Error
In 1859, English settler Thomas Austin imported 24 European rabbits to his estate in Victoria, Australia. His intent was simple: to recreate the English countryside and provide a source of game for hunting parties. What followed, however, was an unprecedented ecological disaster that continues to plague Australia to this day. From this seemingly innocent act, the rabbit population in Australia has exploded to over 200 million, becoming one of the most destructive invasive species in history.
The Beginning: 24 Rabbits and a Misguided Vision
Thomas Austin’s Well-Intentioned Act
Thomas Austin’s introduction of rabbits was rooted in nostalgia. Like many European settlers in Australia, he sought to recreate the environment of his homeland. The shipment of 24 rabbits in 1859 was intende...