rabbits

The rabbit originates from Spain and was brought to England by the Normans as a food source and was kept in warrens, until they escaped.
The female rabbit reaches maturity at around 3 ½ months and will produce around 21 young per year. On average only 10 or 11 will survive.
The life span of a wild rabbit can be 7 or 8 years but the average 18 months.




Whilst a doe is suckling one litter she most likely will be carrying another litter. This means that 90% of the rabbit population has to be culled each year just to keep the population numbers static.





DAMAGE DONE BY RABBITS
	Agriculture	It estimated that 5 rabbits eat as much grass as 1 ewe.
		The winter wheat crop is reduced by 1% per rabbit per hectare, this can mean a loss of 65kg of grain per rabbit.
		They are responsible for an estimated £400 million annually in crop damage in the UK.


	Forestry	Rabbits do a lot of damage to trees by stripping off the bark and with young trees and saplings can cause the tree to
		die.


	Structural land	The rabbit will willingly burrow under buildings, railway and motorway embankments and pylons.


	Sport	Rabbits find golf courses, bowling greens, sports fields, public and private gardens very attractive.