The European Rabbit: History and Biology of a Successful Colonizer

Synopsis

This book reviews the biology of the rabbit as a successful invader and colonizer, summarizing many long-term scientific studies and the history of efforts to control it in Britain, continental Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Enjoyed for its meat and fur, but cursed for its impact on ecosystems and agriculture, the rabbit is often at the centre of ecological controversy. The first two chapters describe the origins, evolution, and taxonomy of Oryctolagus cuniculus and its natural and assisted spread. The following four chapters on Europe, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand cover common subjects such as reproduction, population-dynamics, and control operations. The parallels and contrasts in the behaviour, ecology, and management of rabbits in very different environments are fascinating. The last chapter gives a comprehensive review of myxomatosis, arguably the most important and best-studied epizootic in the history of wildlife management.