The loss of vegetation from rabbit grazing threatens the survival of native birds, mammals, and insects that rely on plants for food and shelter. Rabbits have contributed to the extinction of many native plant and animal species.
Wild rabbits compete with livestock for available pasture and kill young trees and shrubs.
Their warrens contribute to soil erosion by removing vegetation and disturbing soil. In New Zealand wild rabbits have caused significant land degradation, particularly in the drier pastoral country of the South Island. The impact of wild rabbits is particularly serious in dry inland areas where trees and shrubs do not germinate regularly. Rabbits are effective at finding and eating tree seedlings and shrubs. Many species of arid-zone trees and shrubs are at risk of extinction unless rabbit numbers are permanently reduced to much lower levels.