
The Rabbit-Proof Fence
In the early 1900s, Australia faced a rabbit invasion. Rabbits, introduced in 1859 for hunting, quickly became a destructive pest, damaging crops and land. To stop them, the government built the world’s longest fence, known as the Rabbit-Proof Fence, stretching over 1,800 miles (3,000 kilometers) across Western Australia.
Construction began in 1901, and thousands of workers braved harsh conditions to complete the fence. Made of wood, wire, and metal, it was designed to prevent rabbits from spreading to agricultural areas.
While the fence slowed the spread of rabbits, it didn’t fully solve the problem. Despite the barrier, rabbits found ways to cross it, and their population continued to grow.
The Rabbit-Proof Fence remains a symbol of Australia's battle with nature. It’s an iconic piece of history, inspiring the 2002 film Rabbit-Proof Fence, which tells the story of three Aboriginal girls who used the fence to escape a government institution.
Although it didn't completely stop the rabbits, the fence stands as a reminder of Australia's struggle against one of the world's most invasive species.