Rabbits were released onto Enderby Island in 1865 to provide food for castaways. Probably British silver-grey rabbits, they developed over the subsequent 130 years into a distinct breed with a silver-grey coat and dark slate-blue undercoat. A breeding group of 49 animals was removed in 1992, and the following year the remaining rabbits were eradicated from the island. Enderby Island rabbits remain in New Zealand as a rare breed, under the control of the Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Department of Conservation
Reference:
10032573
Photograph by H. A. Best
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