Rabbits can breed rapidly, and enjoy dry conditions and short, open pasture. By the 1890s they were causing major problems in Southland, Otago, Canterbury, Marlborough, Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay. The vegetation was largely destroyed, sheep numbers declined and the soil was exposed to eroding winds and water. Rabbit burrows also contributed to erosion. Rabbit numbers have waxed and waned several times since then, partly from natural causes and partly due to control methods. This film of an experimental area was taken in 1960, when rabbits were under control.