Ninety years of change on the TGB Osborn Vegetation Reserve, Koonamore: a unique research opportunity

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 185
Author(s):  
R. Sinclair ◽  
Jose M. Facelli
Keyword(s):  
South Australia ◽  
Vegetation Monitoring ◽  
Pastoral Area ◽  
Tree Layer ◽  
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
Research Opportunity ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
Open Woodland ◽  
Permanent Quadrats

The TGB Osborn Vegetation Reserve, on Koonamore station in the NE pastoral area of South Australia, is the longest-running vegetation monitoring project of its type in Australia. In 1925, a 4-km2 rectangle in a heavily overgrazed area was fenced to exclude rabbits and sheep, and permanent quadrats and photo-points set up to record changes. The area is predominantly chenopod shrubland, with an open woodland tree layer. After the initial elimination of rabbits, control slackened and rabbit numbers increased until the 1970s, when intense elimination efforts resumed, together with the arrival of myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses. Consequently, the reserve has had 50 years without sheep, followed by 40 years virtually without either sheep or rabbits. Changes over that time have been very striking, and they have been recorded regularly via mapped quadrats and photopoints. The objective of this paper is to highlight opportunities for making use of this database for researching several interesting ecological questions.

Corrigendum to: The impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease on wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations in Queensland

2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 651
Author(s):  
G. Story ◽  
J. Scanlan ◽  
R. Palmer ◽  
D. Berman
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Wild Rabbit ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
Northern Edge ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
The Impact

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) escaped from quarantine facilities on Wardang Island in September 1995 and spread through South Australia to Queensland by December 1995. To determine the impact of this biological control agent on wild rabbit populations in Queensland, shot sample and spotlight count data were collected at six sites. RHDV spread across Queensland from the south-west to the east at a rate of at least 91 km month–1 between October 1995 and October 1996. The initial impact on rabbit density appeared highly variable, with an increase of 81% (255 ± 79 (s.e.) to 385 ± 73 rabbits km–2) at one site and a decrease of 83% (129 ± 27 to 22 ± 18 rabbits km–2) at another during the first outbreak. However, after 30 months of RHDV activity, counts were at least 90% below counts conducted before RHDV arrived. Using a population model to account for environmental conditions, the mean suppression of rabbit density caused by rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) was estimated to be 74% (ranging from 43% to 94% between sites). No outbreaks were observed when the density of susceptible rabbits was lower than 12 km–2. Where rabbit density remains low for long periods RHDV may not persist. This is perhaps most likely to occur in the isolated populations towards the northern edge of the range of rabbits in Australia. RHDV may have to be reintroduced into these populations. Further south in areas more suitable for rabbits, RHDV is more likely to persist, resulting in a high density of immune rabbits. In such areas conventional control techniques may be more important to enhance the influence of RHD.

Longevity record for a wild European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from South Australia

2009 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 65 ◽  
Author(s):  
David E. Peacock ◽  
Ron G. Sinclair
Keyword(s):  
Epidemiological Study ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
South Australia ◽  
European Rabbit ◽  
Birth Date ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
European Rabbits ◽  
Haemorrhagic Disease

A population of European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has been monitored since November 1996 through mark–recapture as part of a longitudinal epidemiological study into two Australian rabbit biocontrol agents, rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) and myxomatosis. A female rabbit, first captured as a subadult in late November 1999, was recaptured 18 times before its final capture at the end of February 2007. The longevity of this rabbit, being from its calculated birth date to the date it was last captured, was 7.6 years. A review of the literature indicates this to be the longest lifespan recorded for a European rabbit in the wild.

Substantial numerical decline in South Australian rabbit populations following the detection of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2

2018 ◽  
Vol 182 (20) ◽  
pp. 574-574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg Mutze ◽  
Nicki De Preu ◽  
Trish Mooney ◽  
Dylan Koerner ◽  
Darren McKenzie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Virus ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus ◽  
Environmental Benefit ◽  
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
European Rabbits ◽  
Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Term Monitoring

Lagovirus europaeus GI.2, also commonly known as rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2, was first detected at two long-term monitoring sites for European rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, in South Australia, in mid-2016. Numbers of rabbits in the following 12–18 months were reduced to approximately 20 per cent of average numbers in the preceding 10 years. The impact recorded at the two South Australian sites, if widespread in Australia and persistent for several years, is likely to be of enormous economic and environmental benefit.

Impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease on introduced predators in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 615 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Holden ◽  
G. Mutze
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Physical Condition ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Flinders Ranges ◽  
Introduced Predators ◽  
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
The Impact

The impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) on the population dynamics and diet of foxes and feral cats was studied in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. Populations of both foxes and cats decreased substantially some 6–10 months after the advent of RHD, when rabbit numbers were reduced by 85%. The diet of foxes changed as a result of reduced rabbit numbers, with much less rabbit and more invertebrates and carrion being eaten. The physical condition of foxes showed little change after RHD. The diet of cats did not change markedly, but their physical condition was substantially poorer than before RHD. Total predation on native fauna is considered to have decreased after RHD.

The impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease on wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations in Queensland

2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 183 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Story ◽  
D. Berman ◽  
R. Palmer ◽  
J. Scanlan
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Wild Rabbit ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
Northern Edge ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
The Impact

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) escaped from quarantine facilities on Wardang Island in September 1995 and spread through South Australia to Queensland by December 1995. To determine the impact of this biological control agent on wild rabbit populations in Queensland, shot sample and spotlight count data were collected at six sites. RHDV spread across Queensland from the south-west to the east at a rate of at least 91 km month–1 between October 1995 and October 1996. The initial impact on rabbit density appeared highly variable, with an increase of 81% (255 ± 79 (s.e.) to 385 ± 73 rabbits km–2) at one site and a decrease of 83% (129 ± 27 to 22 ± 18 rabbits km–2) at another during the first outbreak. However, after 30 months of RHDV activity, counts were at least 90% below counts conducted before RHDV arrived. Using a population model to account for environmental conditions, the mean suppression of rabbit density caused by rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) was estimated to be 74% (ranging from 43% to 94% between sites). No outbreaks were observed when the density of susceptible rabbits was lower than 12 km–2. Where rabbit density remains low for long periods RHDV may not persist. This is perhaps most likely to occur in the isolated populations towards the northern edge of the range of rabbits in Australia. RHDV may have to be reintroduced into these populations. Further south in areas more suitable for rabbits, RHDV is more likely to persist, resulting in a high density of immune rabbits. In such areas conventional control techniques may be more important to enhance the influence of RHD.

Emerging epidemiological patterns in rabbit haemorrhagic disease, its interaction with myxomatosis, and their effects on rabbit populations in South Australia

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory Mutze ◽  
Peter Bird ◽  
John Kovaliski ◽  
David Peacock ◽  
Scott Jennings ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coastal Area ◽  
Population Change ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Maternal Antibodies ◽  
Seasonal Abundance ◽  
Wild Rabbit ◽  
Population Parameters ◽  
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
The Impact

The impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) on wild rabbit populations was assessed by comparing population parameters measured before the introduction of RHD into Australia in 1995 with population parameters after RHD. We used data from an arid inland area and a moist coastal area in South Australia to examine the timing and extent of RHD outbreaks, their interaction with myxomatosis and their effect on breeding, recruitment and seasonal abundance of rabbits. From this we propose a generalised conceptual model of how RHD affects rabbit populations in southern Australia. RHD decreased long-term average numbers of rabbits by 85% in the arid area. In the coastal area, RHD decreased numbers of rabbits by 73% in the first year but numbers gradually recovered and were only 12% below pre-RHD numbers in the third year. Disease activity generally begins a month or two after the commencement of breeding in autumn or winter, peaks in early spring and ceases to be apparent in summer. Where the disease is most active, the pattern of population change is almost the inverse of the former pattern. During the breeding season, RHD severely suppresses rabbit numbers. Compensatory recruitment of late-born young, protected by maternal antibodies until the disease becomes inactive at the end of spring (also the end of breeding), allows the observed rabbit abundance to increase during summer, albeit to lower levels than before RHD. Maternal antibodies are lost during summer and the population becomes susceptible to RHD. The seasonal peak in myxomatosis activity is pushed back from late spring to early summer or autumn. Survivors of myxomatosis breed after opening rains in autumn but many succumb to RHD before raising their litters. The reduced abundance of rabbits and changed pattern of seasonal abundance have potential consequences for vegetation recovery.

Population and demographic patterns of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) at Roxby Downs in arid South Australia and the influence of rabbit haemorrhagic disease

1998 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoë Bowen ◽  
John Read
Keyword(s):  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Myxoma Virus ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Virus Vectors ◽  
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
Demographic Patterns ◽  
Haemorrhagic Disease

Rabbit populations and demography were surveyed at Roxby Downs in arid South Australia from 1989 to 1997. Rabbit numbers typically peaked in late summer following breeding from late winter to early summer. After initial declines attributable to burrow flooding and increased populations of virus vectors, rabbit numbers increased by approximately 400% after significant rains. Introductions of Spanish rabbit flea, a vector of Myxoma virus, did not influence rabbit numbers but rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) had a dramatic and sustained influence on rabbit numbers. The optimum times for release of RHD are discussed.

scholarly journals Microbial metagenomic approach uncovers the first rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus genome in Sub-Saharan Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anise N. Happi ◽  
Olusola A. Ogunsanya ◽  
Judith U. Oguzie ◽  
Paul E. Oluniyi ◽  
Alhaji S. Olono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Genome ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Vp60 Gene ◽  
Band Size ◽  
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Domestic Rabbits ◽  
Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
Pcr Targeting

AbstractRabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) causes high morbidity and mortality in rabbits and hares. Here, we report the first genomic characterization of lagovirus GI.2 virus in domestic rabbits from sub-Saharan Africa. We used an unbiased microbial metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing (mNGS) approach to diagnose the pathogen causing the suspected outbreak of RHD in Ibadan, Nigeria. The liver, spleen, and lung samples of five rabbits from an outbreak in 2 farms were analyzed. The mNGS revealed one full and two partial RHDV2 genomes on both farms. Phylogenetic analysis showed close clustering with RHDV2 lineages from Europe (98.6% similarity with RHDV2 in the Netherlands, and 99.1 to 100% identity with RHDV2 in Germany), suggesting potential importation. Subsequently, all the samples were confirmed by RHDV virus-specific RT-PCR targeting the VP60 gene with the expected band size of 398 bp for the five rabbits sampled. Our findings highlight the need for increased genomic surveillance of RHDV2 to track its origin, understand its diversity and to inform public health policy in Nigeria, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

scholarly journals Timing and severity of immunizing diseases in rabbits is controlled by seasonal matching of host and pathogen dynamics

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (103) ◽  
pp. 20141184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstans Wells ◽  
Barry W. Brook ◽  
Robert C. Lacy ◽  
Greg J. Mutze ◽  
David E. Peacock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Local Population ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Maternal Antibodies ◽  
Timing Of Reproduction ◽  
Demographic Rates ◽  
Pathogen Dynamics ◽  
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
Seasonal Epidemics ◽  
Haemorrhagic Disease

Infectious diseases can exert a strong influence on the dynamics of host populations, but it remains unclear why such disease-mediated control only occurs under particular environmental conditions. We used 16 years of detailed field data on invasive European rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) in Australia, linked to individual-based stochastic models and Bayesian approximations, to test whether (i) mortality associated with rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is driven primarily by seasonal matches/mismatches between demographic rates and epidemiological dynamics and (ii) delayed infection (arising from insusceptibility and maternal antibodies in juveniles) are important factors in determining disease severity and local population persistence of rabbits. We found that both the timing of reproduction and exposure to viruses drove recurrent seasonal epidemics of RHD. Protection conferred by insusceptibility and maternal antibodies controlled seasonal disease outbreaks by delaying infection; this could have also allowed escape from disease. The persistence of local populations was a stochastic outcome of recovery rates from both RHD and myxomatosis. If susceptibility to RHD is delayed, myxomatosis will have a pronounced effect on population extirpation when the two viruses coexist. This has important implications for wildlife management, because it is likely that such seasonal interplay and disease dynamics has a strong effect on long-term population viability for many species.

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