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Rabbits are the biggest threat to Australia’s native species. Why are their numbers booming again?

The Guardian Environment Sunday 13 September 2026, 15:00 UTC By Graham Readfearn Climate and environment reporter 1 min read
Key Points

Scientists say good rainfall and growing resistance to viruses are to blame for increasing rabbit populations around the countryGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastJojo the rabbit-detecting dog is working eight days on, two days off, running up to 20 kilometres a day chasing rabbits in the south-west of Bon Bon Reserve in South Australia’s arid centre. “She’s being kept very busy,” says Dr Pat Taggart, an ecologist with Bush Heritage Australia, a conservation body that...

Scientists say good rainfall and growing resistance to viruses are to blame for increasing rabbit populations around the country

Jojo the rabbit-detecting dog is working eight days on, two days off, running up to 20 kilometres a day chasing rabbits in the south-west of Bon Bon Reserve in South Australia’s arid centre.

“She’s being kept very busy,” says Dr Pat Taggart, an ecologist with Bush Heritage Australia, a conservation body that owns the former sheep property.

Continue reading...
Australia (LOCATION) countryGet (ORG) Bon Bon Reserve (ORG) South Australia’s (LOCATION) Dr Pat Taggart (PERSON) Bush Heritage Australia (ORG)
Originally published by The Guardian Environment Read original →

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