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No Bunnies Allowed<\/h1>\n
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By Chadd McGlone<\/p>\n
Chapel Hill, NC, United States<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
When people travel to distant lands, they can sometimes feel nostalgia for what they have left behind. Early settlers in Australia<\/strong> experienced quite a bit of this yearning. During the mid-1800s, wealthy immigrants from Great Britain realized that they missed the pastimes of their homeland. Their desire to make their new surroundings more familiar led to such efforts as acclimatization societies.<\/p>\n Missing the Bunnies<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n One activity they missed very much was hunting\u00a0rabbits. Many immigrants who had imported domesticated rabbits tried to release them into the wild to proliferate. With their original survival instincts diluted through breeding, they failed to survive.<\/p>\n Then, in 1859, Thomas Austin, a wealthy settler in Victoria, imported 24 European wild rabbits from England. He released some of them on his estate so they could be hunted for sport. The rabbits found plenty of food, good ground cover, and few natural predators. Within a few years, their numbers exploded. By 1900, rabbits were recognized as an agricultural pest.<\/p>\n Building a Fence<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Angry at the damage caused by the rabbits, the state of Western Australia began construction of what became known as the Rabbit-Proof Fence in order to prevent them from invading its farming areas. The one-meter-tall barrier, built with wooden posts and wire and completed in 1907, was the longest unbroken fence of its time. Contractors placed gates every 32 kilometers (km) in order for residents to pass from one side to the other.<\/p>\n And Another Fence<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Unfortunately, the rabbits did not wait for the fence to be finished. By 1902, rabbits had already been found west of the first line. Western Australia then built two more fences. The complete system included:<\/p>\n Unfortunately, these barriers did not succeed in keeping rabbits out. The animals had already crossed into many areas, and any break in the netting allowed them through.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”9px” text_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”-40px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Adaptation of “Rabbit Fence Cobar October 1905<\/a>” by Walter Leaney. Public domain.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Monitoring<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Since its inception, the three-part fence has been monitored to ensure its structural integrity. The first government-appointed manager of the fence was given the title Chief Inspector of Rabbits. In early years, inspectors traveled on horseback, bicycle, or camel, spending nights in rustic huts constructed along the fence line.<\/p>\n The fence still exists today, but its purpose has changed. It is now known as the State Barrier Fence. Rather than serving mainly as a rabbit deterrent, it helps protect farms and grazing lands from other animal pests, especially emus and wild dogs.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”9px” text_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”-40px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Adaptation of “Rabbit-Proof Fence in 2005<\/a>” by Roguengineer. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Unfortunate Consequences<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Although the fence was built to solve one problem, it also created others. Barriers can limit the movement of native animals across the landscape. Emus, kangaroos, snakes, and other species may have less access to food, water, and migration routes. Over time, separating animal populations can also reduce genetic mixing.<\/p>\n At the same time, rabbits themselves have caused enormous environmental damage. They graze heavily on native plants, prevent young trees and shrubs from regenerating, compete with other animals for food and shelter, and contribute to erosion. Even a small number of rabbits can harm fragile ecosystems.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”9px” text_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”-40px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Adaptation of “European Rabbits<\/a>” by Liz Poon, CSIRO. Licensed under CC BY 3.0<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n New Strategies<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Fortunately, scientists have worked hard to develop alternative ways of reducing the rabbit problem. Some biological methods helped lower rabbit numbers in the past, but Australia now relies on a broader mix of strategies, called integrated rabbit control, to protect native plants and animals.<\/p>\n For example, land managers may remove places where rabbits breed or hide, build smaller fences around sensitive areas, and restore native vegetation after rabbit numbers have been reduced. These tactics work best when neighboring landholders coordinate their efforts, because rabbits can quickly move back in.<\/p>\n Australia\u2019s rabbit story is not over. Today, the country still has well over 100 million feral rabbits, and their numbers rise and fall with weather, food supply, and control efforts. Still, careful, coordinated work has helped some native plants and animals recover.<\/p>\n So, the next time you\u2019re in Australia, enjoy the rabbits\u2014just don\u2019t hold the gate open for them!<\/p>\n Have a suggestion for this story? We\u2019d love for you to\u00a0submit it<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Australia-Perth-GMS_two-rabbits-600-px-x-400-px.png” alt=”Two rabbits standing on reddish dirt among dry leaves, grasses and scrub vegetation in dappled sunlight” title_text=”Australia Perth GMS_two rabbits (600 px x 400 px)” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Australia-Perth-GMS-rabbits-600-px-x-400-px.png” alt=”Long wire fence running beside a red dirt track through low green bushland under a cloudy blue sky with a sign nearby” title_text=”Australia Perth GMS rabbits (600 px x 400 px)” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”9px” text_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”-40px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Adaptation of “State Barrier Fence in Karara Rangeland Park, Western Australia<\/a>” by Calistemon. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Blank” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none; ” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Blank<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Slideshow” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Are you a teacher who\u2019s interested in telling this story to your students? Here\u2019s a slideshow to get you started!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Math Resources” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Learning Activities:<\/p>\n Sample Problems:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Extension Question” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n What is your reaction to the issue of animal welfare in this story? These rabbits didn\u2019t ask to be brought to Australia, so is it fair to kill so many?<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Explore Further” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Share Your Story” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n\n
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