| The Easter Bunny carrying his gift basket of | | | | of the population. In most parts of Australia, it is |
| colored eggs, chocolate and jelly beans is a | | | | even illegal to own a rabbit as a pet.Because of |
| familiar symbol of the Easter holiday for many. | | | | the rabbit's history in Australia, some Aussies |
| But there is a movement down under to replace | | | | decided they wanted a new symbol for their |
| the Easter bunny with the native Australian | | | | Easter celebrations. They chose the bilby, a native |
| bilby.The rabbit was not originally native to | | | | Australian animal and a member of the bandicoot |
| Australia. It was introduced in 1788, but did not | | | | family. Thus, the concept of the "Easter Bilby" |
| spread rapidly until two dozen rabbits were | | | | was born. The bilby is similar in size to a rabbit, |
| released in 1859 for sport hunting. The | | | | with long ears, long, snoot-like nose, soft grey fur, |
| combination of no natural predators in Australia | | | | and a distinctive black and white tail. The idea for |
| and their infamous ability to breed quickly resulted | | | | the Easter Bilby has been around since the 1970s. |
| in the original 24 turning into a population of millions | | | | However, the idea has picked up momentum in |
| within 10 years. The rabbits ate much of the | | | | recent years, as the bilby has become an |
| vegetation, causing food shortages for the | | | | endangered species (currently, only an estimated |
| indigenous species. The vegetation removal also | | | | 600 bilbys exist in the wild). Just like the Easter |
| caused significant problems with soil erosion. | | | | Bunny, the bilby carries his basket full of chocolate |
| Despite many attempts to curtail the rabbit | | | | eggs and delivers goodies to children everywhere |
| population, the problem continues today. Currently, | | | | in Australia each year. There are Easter Bilby |
| the rabbit causes an estimated $AU600 million in | | | | songs, children's stories, cards, stuffed animals, |
| damages per year. This widespread damage to | | | | chocolate-shaped bilby treats, organizations, and |
| the Australian environment has resulted in the | | | | websites, all dedicated to this new tradition. |
| rabbit being viewed unfavorably by the majority | | | | |