And Tons of Rabbits
The introduction of foreign animals to Australia’s ecosystems has played a significant role in its history, as well as the current issues it faces. For thousands of years, Australia was a delicate ecosystem as an island. Unfortunately, rabbits are another introduced species that have become invasive.
Rabbits now number in the billions in Australia, and they eat everything. As you might expect, the country makes a significant effort to reduce the population, and they are responsible for the extinction of several native species.
The Australian Bush
Much of Australia is uninhabited wilderness, much like the “forest” in the United States. The term “the bush” is commonly used by Australians, and you can assume they’re referring to areas with trees and plant life rather than the desert, though it can refer to an uninhabited area.
In some circles, it is believed that the word bush is related to the Dutch word for forest (bosch). The term was introduced to Australia by European immigrants from South Africa, and it has since spread throughout the country.