Evolutionary divergences between populations of Australian wild rabbits

Abstract

THE first successful introduction of the European wild rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, into Australia took place in 1859 when two dozen animals were imported into Geelong, Victoria1. Subsequent minor introductions may have occurred but the evidence indicates that existing populations are derived mainly from the Geelong colony2. Rabbit populations now occupy varied environments across the southern two-thirds of Australia3. These rabbits provide a good opportunity for the study of evolutionary divergences. © 1974 Nature Publishing Group.