New zealand red rabbit

You're referring to the iconic New Zealand Red Rabbit!

The New Zealand Red Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a non-native species of rabbit that was introduced to New Zealand in the late 19th century. They were brought to the country as a food source and for hunting, but they quickly established a feral population.

The New Zealand Red Rabbit is a large rabbit species, with adults reaching up to 50 cm (20 in) in length and weighing up to 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs). They have a distinctive reddish-brown coat with a white underside, and their ears are relatively long and pointed.

Unfortunately, the New Zealand Red Rabbit has had a significant impact on the country's native ecosystems. They are herbivores and feed on a wide range of plants, including crops, grasses, and native vegetation. This has led to competition with native animals for food and habitat, and has also contributed to the decline of some native plant species.

In recent years, efforts have been made to control the population of New Zealand Red Rabbits and mitigate their impact on the environment. This has included the use of traps, poison baits, and biological control methods, such as the introduction of a rabbit-specific virus.

Despite these efforts, the New Zealand Red Rabbit remains a significant pest species in New Zealand, and ongoing management is necessary to prevent further environmental damage.