This species is particularly prominent for the conflicts that it has evoked over control
programmes (Zengeya et al. 2017).
5.3.9 Capra hircus (Goats)
Goats originate from the Iranian highlands and since domestication have been spread
around the world. No introduction date is known for the South African population.
Apart from the established population on the Prince Edward Islands (Greve et al.
2020; Chap. 8), feral populations are assumed to exist throughout South Africa. This
species has been assessed as having Massive environmental impacts through damage
to vegetation while feeding, and minimal socio-economic impacts (Hagen and
Kumschick 2018). Although listed as Category 1a under the Regulations, it is not
listed as an invasive species on the mainland.
5.3.10 Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit)
Rabbits were deliberately introduced to Robben Island with the intention of forming
a breeding population as a ready source of meat. Historical records from 1652 (see
Skead et al. 2011), suggest that several consignments of rabbits were introduced to
the island without success until 1658, when successful reproduction was first noted.
A year later, the rabbits were so abundant that van Riebeeck considered that it would
be difficult to exterminate them. Interestingly, historical records suggest that van
Riebeeck was aware that the species should not be introduced to the mainland in case
it became a pest. Indeed, when he left the Cape he cautioned his successor not to
release any rabbits on the mainland. In 2009, the same rabbit population on Robben
Island was estimated to exceed 24,000 individuals (de Villiers et al. 2010). Reduction of vegetation on the island, is thought to have driven individuals to start
climbing trees to feed on vegetation at heights up to 4 m (Sherley 2016). However,
an ongoing effort has removed around 13,000 animals, and no rabbits have been
seen on the island for more than 1 year (C. Wilke pers. comm. February 2019;
Davies et al. 2020, Chap. 22).
Rabbits have been introduced to all islands off the South African coast, and still
occur on Jutten, Dassen, Vondeling, Schaapen, Bird and Seal Islands (Cooper and
Brooke 1982). Brooke et al. (1986) suggested that rabbits remain unsuccessful on
the mainland as there are too many natural predators.
The populations of rabbits on two islands in the Langebaan lagoon (Schaapen and
Meeuw) were the subject of ecological studies in the 1960s, which suggest severe
repercussions for the natural vegetation, and the birds that nest on the islands
(Gillham 1963). Of note is that the rabbits on Schaapen Island are currently all
albino (Cooper and Brooke 1982). Cooper and Brooke (1982) further note that by
1977 the rabbits on Meeuw Island had become extinct. Rabbits have been assessed
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programmes (Zengeya et al. 2017).
5.3.9 Capra hircus (Goats)
Goats originate from the Iranian highlands and since domestication have been spread
around the world. No introduction date is known for the South African population.
Apart from the established population on the Prince Edward Islands (Greve et al.
2020; Chap. 8), feral populations are assumed to exist throughout South Africa. This
species has been assessed as having Massive environmental impacts through damage
to vegetation while feeding, and minimal socio-economic impacts (Hagen and
Kumschick 2018). Although listed as Category 1a under the Regulations, it is not
listed as an invasive species on the mainland.
5.3.10 Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit)
Rabbits were deliberately introduced to Robben Island with the intention of forming
a breeding population as a ready source of meat. Historical records from 1652 (see
Skead et al. 2011), suggest that several consignments of rabbits were introduced to
the island without success until 1658, when successful reproduction was first noted.
A year later, the rabbits were so abundant that van Riebeeck considered that it would
be difficult to exterminate them. Interestingly, historical records suggest that van
Riebeeck was aware that the species should not be introduced to the mainland in case
it became a pest. Indeed, when he left the Cape he cautioned his successor not to
release any rabbits on the mainland. In 2009, the same rabbit population on Robben
Island was estimated to exceed 24,000 individuals (de Villiers et al. 2010). Reduction of vegetation on the island, is thought to have driven individuals to start
climbing trees to feed on vegetation at heights up to 4 m (Sherley 2016). However,
an ongoing effort has removed around 13,000 animals, and no rabbits have been
seen on the island for more than 1 year (C. Wilke pers. comm. February 2019;
Davies et al. 2020, Chap. 22).
Rabbits have been introduced to all islands off the South African coast, and still
occur on Jutten, Dassen, Vondeling, Schaapen, Bird and Seal Islands (Cooper and
Brooke 1982). Brooke et al. (1986) suggested that rabbits remain unsuccessful on
the mainland as there are too many natural predators.
The populations of rabbits on two islands in the Langebaan lagoon (Schaapen and
Meeuw) were the subject of ecological studies in the 1960s, which suggest severe
repercussions for the natural vegetation, and the birds that nest on the islands
(Gillham 1963). Of note is that the rabbits on Schaapen Island are currently all
albino (Cooper and Brooke 1982). Cooper and Brooke (1982) further note that by
1977 the rabbits on Meeuw Island had become extinct. Rabbits have been assessed
126
J. Measey et al.