Germany Launches Nationwide Easter-Bunny Count

[matcom]

<snip>

BERLIN (Reuters) - Eight hundred volunteer wildlife watchers will be deployed throughout Germany in March in a giant rabbit count aimed at giving the clearest picture yet of the nation's endangered bunny population.

Coordinated by leading scientific institutes, volunteers will count the rabbits one hour after nightfall when they come out to feed, said Armin Winter, animal conservation expert from the German Hunting Protection League.

In contrast to countries like Australia, where rabbits have multiplied at an explosive rate and have long been viewed as pests, the fluffy creatures are on the list of endangered species in Germany. Industrialization and intensive farming has depleted their natural habitat.

"Watchers will each cover a planned route with powerful spotlights to seek out the rabbits. The light reflects off their eyes, making them easily identifiable," Winter said.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=573&ncid=573&e=1&u=/nm/20040305/od_nm/odd_germany_rabbits_dc

[DarkPhenyx]

1. Rabbits are not endangered in Germany, trust me.

THe housing area I lived in when I was in Wiesbaden had a massive herd of them living just in front of my building. I'm serious. MASSIVE! It was like thunder when they ran, and you could walk across the playground on the backs of bunnies.