Rabbit and fox introductions in Terra del Fuego: history and assessment of the attempts at biological control of the rabbit infestation
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Published source details
Jaksic F.M. & Yanez J.L. (1983) Rabbit and fox introductions in Terra del Fuego: history and assessment of the attempts at biological control of the rabbit infestation. Biological Conservation, 26, 367-374.
Published source details Jaksic F.M. & Yanez J.L. (1983) Rabbit and fox introductions in Terra del Fuego: history and assessment of the attempts at biological control of the rabbit infestation. Biological Conservation, 26, 367-374.
Summary
Two pairs of European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus were introduced to the Chilean side of Tierra del Fuego island in 1936. Within a few years they had multiplied, the ground became riddled with holes and areas became denuded of vegetation. At the height of infestation (1953) rabbits numbered about 30 million. Attempts to control rabbits by hunting, trapping and gasing. Grey foxes Dusicyon griseus were released in a further control attempt in 1951 (three years prior to the myxoma virus decimating the rabbit population). Here, the potential success of foxes (including the native Patagonian fox D.culpaeus) as biological-control agent for the rabbits (and the wisdom of introducing grey foxes) is evaluated through analysis of diet.
Output references
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