Story: Subantarctic islands

Enderby Island rabbits grazing, 1973

Enderby Island rabbits grazing, 1973

Rabbits were released onto Enderby Island in 1865 to provide food for castaways. Probably British silver-grey rabbits, they developed over the subsequent 130 years into a distinct breed with a silver-grey coat and dark slate-blue undercoat. A breeding group of 49 animals was removed in 1992, and the following year the remaining rabbits were eradicated from the island. Enderby Island rabbits remain in New Zealand as a rare breed, under the control of the Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10032573
Photograph by H. A. Best

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How to cite this page:

Jock Phillips, 'Subantarctic islands - Fauna', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/38518/enderby-island-rabbits-grazing-1973 (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Jock Phillips