The Normans were introduced Rabbits to England in the 12th century (after the conquest of 1066) for food and fur. The rabbit is originally from the Mediterranean region and was later introduced to quite a few countries and islands. They were also introduced in Australia where their population has grown to alarming proportions.
At one time they were considered to be natural wonders as they not only provided meat and fur but also helped to suppress shrubs, gorse and bramble. This meant that other flowering plants had a greater chance of surviving and this in turn would affect the butterfly population.
Unfortunately it did not really work out that way. Rabbits seem to prefer forest plantations and the farmers' crops and though they did provide meat and fur they are very prolific breeders and so their population increased rapidly (which meant more crops being eaten!).
In the UK alone, rabbit damage is estimated to be more than one hundred million pounds every year.
At one time they were considered to be natural wonders as they not only provided meat and fur but also helped to suppress shrubs, gorse and bramble. This meant that other flowering plants had a greater chance of surviving and this in turn would affect the butterfly population.
Unfortunately it did not really work out that way. Rabbits seem to prefer forest plantations and the farmers' crops and though they did provide meat and fur they are very prolific breeders and so their population increased rapidly (which meant more crops being eaten!).
In the UK alone, rabbit damage is estimated to be more than one hundred million pounds every year.
