Re: Rabbit Calicivirus Disease (was Predation is G

pdd@gcc.cc.md.us
25 Aug 1996 17:09:04 EDT

SE>The virus was always only expected to kill 90% of rabbits. My
SE>understanding is that it is proving highly successful and there
SE>is no "second offensive" by 'the few surviving rabbits". Sounds
SE>like a bit of US Wild West folklore? :-)

Actually some back-east humor!

SE>--------------------------------------------------------
SE>Once rabbits start to succumb to RCD, foxes and feral cats that prey
SE>on rabbits will go hungry. Rabbit populations normally peak and
SE>trough, so this is nothing new, however the population should not
SE>return to its original level, at least for several years.
SE>Populations of feral predators will fall and probably restabilize at
SE>a lower level, however in the early stages foxes may travel long
SE>distances in search of food.
SE>--------------------------------------------------------

Some may now say that being a prey is good and that God uses it to
increase diversity!
;-)

Paul

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