<P> European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were introduced to Australia in the 18th century with the First Fleet and eventually became widespread . Such wild rabbit populations are a serious mammalian pest and invasive species in Australia causing millions of dollars of damage to crops . Their spread was enhanced probably through the emergence of strong crossbreeds . </P> <P> Various methods in the 20th century have been attempted to control the Australian rabbit population . Conventional methods include shooting rabbits and destroying their warrens, but these had only limited success . In 1907, a rabbit - proof fence was built in Western Australia in an unsuccessful attempt to contain the rabbits . The myxoma virus, which causes myxomatosis, was introduced into the rabbit population in the 1950s and had the effect of severely reducing the rabbit population . However, the survivors have since adapted and partially recovered their previous numbers . </P>

What was a result of the over population of rabbits in australia