Why did China suddenly release rabbits into its desert? In an unexpected move, China released 1,200,000 rabbits into the desert, and this large number carries behind it an intriguing story.
China is known for taking steps only if they serve its interests, and this case is no exception. China has faced a significant problem with the continuous expansion of its deserts.
In the 1990s, the area of desert land in China reached approximately 1.71 million square kilometers, which is equivalent to one-fifth of the country's total area. However, by 2015, this area saw a remarkable increase, expanding to 2.62 million square kilometers.
This means that nearly one-third of China's land had turned into desert. The Chinese authorities realized that they had to take decisive action to halt this expansion, especially since the rate of desertification was increasing by 10,000 square kilometers annually in the 21st century.
China began implementing large-scale afforestation programs to rehabilitate sandy lands and bring greenery to them. However, these efforts were not sufficient. This is when a famous Chinese scientist, named "Qian Yujin," intervened. He suggested introducing a complete ecological system to the desert, instead of solely relying on planting trees and grass.
He proposed three techniques: agroforestry, where trees and shrubs are planted irregularly, similar to natural forests; agriculture to provide job opportunities for the population; and livestock farming.
Qian Yujin chose a special type of rabbit known as the "Rex" rabbit, which is characterized by its ability to adapt to harsh desert environments and its rapid reproduction.
This type of rabbit is known for its ability to dig the soil in search of grass roots, which improves soil aeration and promotes plant growth. Additionally, these rabbits leave plant seeds in their droppings, helping to spread vegetation in desert areas.
The introduction of rabbits led to a significant improvement in soil quality and an increase in vegetation cover. By 2021, the percentage of land covered with plants rose from 3% to 84%.
This success is not only in improving the environment but also in increasing the income of farmers who benefit from the rabbits' fur and meat. This Chinese initiative has been highly successful and proven effective in transforming the desert into green areas.
It is considered a model that can be utilized in other countries, such as Morocco and the Middle East, to combat desertification.
Why did releasing 1,200,000 rabbits into the Chinese desert turn into a real nightmare?
When it comes to large-scale and controversial projects that manipulate nature, China is always at the forefront. From the eradication of billions of birds to ambitious attempts to change ecosystems,
what drove China to take such a bold step as releasing 1,200,000 rabbits into the desert? To answer this, let's turn to another catastrophic, yet similar, story that took place elsewhere.
The rabbit invasion in Australia began in the 1850s, when Australia was still relatively sparsely populated by Europeans. British colonists brought thirteen European rabbits to the continent.
The goal was simple – to make the land feel more "homely" to them. However, things quickly spiraled out of control due to the lack of natural predators and the availability of a favorable environment. Within just six decades, the rabbit population grew exponentially, and rabbits spread across 70% of Australia's land area.
The rabbit population reached around ten billion. This population explosion was catastrophic; rabbits destroyed crops, caused soil erosion, and made agricultural life nearly impossible. The Australian government had no choice but to take strict measures.
Deadly viruses like *Myxomatosis* and *RHDV* were tested to eliminate the rabbits, and they were largely successful, reducing the rabbit population by 96%. However, the environmental and economic losses were enormous.
China faces desertification, and despite the lessons learned from the Australian experience, it decided to take a calculated risk by releasing 1,200,000 rabbits into its desert. To understand the reasoning behind this, we must look at the desertification problem the country is grappling with.
By 2015, deserts had expanded to cover more than 2.6 million square kilometers, affecting 40% of China's population. This desertification was not just an environmental challenge; it was a direct threat to the lives of millions.
In an attempt to combat this phenomenon, China launched this project to transform deserts into green lands. The plan included afforestation and promoting desert agriculture, and this is where the rabbits came into play.
However, as the Australian experience demonstrated, leaving rabbits unchecked could lead to environmental disasters. Between the risks, opportunities, and initial positive results, the experiment remains fraught with danger if the rabbit population gets out of control.
It could cause significant damage to the local ecosystem. However, the project demonstrates China's ambitious thinking in using innovative solutions to address complex environmental problems.
This raises an important question: can other countries, such as those in the Middle East and North Africa, follow a similar approach to transform their deserts into green lands?
And can this strategy succeed without repeating the mistakes made in the past? Share your thoughts on this intriguing experiment—do you see it as a well-thought-out step, or an unnecessary risk?