Rabbit Proliferation Causes Crop Damage in Southern France

Farmers and wine growers in the Hérault region of southern France are facing significant crop damage due to a surge in the wild rabbit population. The increase in rabbits is impacting vineyards, wheat fields, and orchards, leading to substantial economic losses for local agricultural businesses.

Widespread Damage to Crops

In Saint-Aunès, east of Montpellier, Pascal Bianchetto’s vines are experiencing extensive damage, with an estimated 90% of the plants affected. “All these stumps that have been eaten away, next year the line is dead,” Bianchetto stated. The rabbits are not only targeting vines but also wheat fields, with 30 hectares of land destroyed, including a plot sown six months ago where no growth is now possible. Farmers report observing rabbits feeding in their fields both during the day and at night, with thermal cameras capturing dozens, even hundreds, of animals consuming crops.

Impact on Orchards and Attempts at Control

Arborist Robert Cecchetti in Mauguio has been forced to uproot 10-15% of his apple trees, which have died after rabbits ate through the bark, disrupting the flow of nutrients. He questions the viability of replanting orchards given the continued pressure from the rabbit population. One farmer, Clément Bros, invested 5,000 euros in 1.4 km of fencing, but the solution appears economically unfeasible for larger areas. “The money that would have to be raised or implemented to succeed in doing this on all of the hectares that we have, it would be colossal. It would be more than once or twice the total turnover of the company,” Bros explained.

Government Response and Lack of Compensation

Currently, there is no compensation system in place for damage caused by rabbits. The prefecture has implemented an action plan, reinforced in 2026, which includes daytime and nighttime shooting and the use of ferrets for capture.

European Rabbit Background

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is native to the Iberian Peninsula and southwestern France, but has been introduced to numerous locations worldwide, including Australia and South America. According to Wikipedia, wild and domesticated rabbits can vary significantly in size, shape, and color due to domestication and introduction to new habitats.

Historically, rabbits have been both a pest and a resource. New Scientist reported in 2003 that in the Herault region of southwest France, a project was underway to vaccinate rabbits against myxomatosis, ironically reversing earlier eradication programs that used fleas to spread the disease. This project was funded by hunters seeking to maintain a healthy rabbit population for hunting purposes.

Rabbit Populations in the United States

Although the current issue is focused on France, rabbits are widespread across the United States. World Population Review notes that states like Texas, Ohio, and Michigan have some of the highest rabbit populations, hosting species like the Black-tailed Jackrabbit and Snowshoe Hare.