Rabbit Proof Fence

Originally rabbit- proof fences were introduced into Western Australia to deal with the problem of over-population of rabbits destroying crops and degrading pastureland. Rabbits were first introduced into Australia by the First Fleet when they arrived in Botany Bay in 1788, how idiotic is that?
 
By 1896 it had been found as far west as Eucla and 200 kilometres further west at Twilight Cove, near Esperance. The fence represents a unique, if inadequate, response to an overwhelming environmental problem.

Construction of the Number 1 Rabbit Proof Fence began in 1901. It stretched 1834 kilometres from the south coast to the northwest coast, along a line north of Burracoppon, 230 kilometres east of Perth.

Unfortunately, by 1902 rabbits had already been found west of the fence line, because they were breeding like f****n’ rabbits! The Number 2 Rabbit Proof Fence was built in 1905 to stem their advance.
Stretching 1166 kilometres from Point Ann on the south coast through Cunderdin, 150 kilometres east of Perth, the new fence joined the original fence line at Gum Creek in the Murchison area.

* Special thanks to Phil for the drone footage and aerial photography.Read more