What
European rabbits are introduced grazing and burrowing mammals that are widespread in New Zealand, especially in dryland and semi-arid environments.
The Hit List
Verified public Target identity
land · fauna
Rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also known as European rabbit, Wild rabbit
Identification image pending
Why
High numbers can strip vegetation, damage vulnerable native plant communities, worsen erosion through burrowing, and support introduced mammalian predators.
Where
Rabbits occur throughout New Zealand, with damaging populations particularly associated with drier country; current abundance varies locally.
Established knowledge
For consequential field decisions, consider the knowledge state and cited sources for each claim, and consult authoritative guidance where appropriate. Information and reliance terms
50% reference coverage — not scientific certainty or ecological progress
- Identification
- NZ status
- Ecological impact
- Sources
Open knowledge
These are parts of the public picture that could become clearer with better evidence.
- Distribution
- Visual clues
- Confusion species
- Regional intelligence
Sources & credits
- DOC — rabbitsauthoritative · Identity, distribution, ecological impacts and management context
- MPI — wild rabbit pest managementauthoritative · Environmental impacts and predator-prey context
Field observations
Field observations connect sightings and signs with a place, time and source. They can support evidence after review. This dossier does not accept public submissions.
No field observations are published for this Target.
Commentary
Local experience, corrections and context help explain the public record. Commentary is not verified knowledge. This dossier does not accept public comments.
No commentary is published for this Target.
Questions and Missions
What can the sources tell us, and what still needs evidence? Explore dossier discoveries and research questions to understand this Target. Research leads identify knowledge gaps; they are not field assignments.
Explore Missions and Hunt mode for Rabbit- Where are rabbit populations placing vulnerable native vegetation or erosion-prone soils under the greatest current pressure?Research question · evidence needed
- What local evidence can distinguish rabbit impacts from other grazing and burrowing animals?Research question · evidence needed
Shout Out
Shout Out
Share this record so others can explore the same question, place or ecological work. The link keeps its context and sources together.
Rabbit — The Hit List — NZ Ex Games
Canonical link
/hit-list/target-rabbit