Flux (2001): Evidence of self-limitation in wild vertebrate populations.

Flux, J.E.C. 2001. Evidence of self-limitation in wild vertebrate populations. Oikos 92: 555-557.

Compared with other species of rabbits, hares, and pikas (Order Lagomorpha), European rabbits reach exceptionally high population densities and often starve. I suggest this maladaptation is a result of previous domestication, a process designed to break down natural social barriers by providing unlimited food and artificial crowding for many generations. This explains the propensity for domestic animals and human commensals to become serious pests. As a corollary it supports Wynne-Edwards' contention that wild animal populations are regulated by social behaviour at limits safely below their normal food supply, because the disruption of social behaviour leads to overpopulation.