Rabbit Island (South Australia)
Rabbit Island is a small island located in the Spencer Gulf, off the coast of South Australia, near Port Broughton. The island is primarily known as a conservation park protecting seabird nesting colonies. Specifically, it serves as a significant breeding ground for species such as the Short-tailed Shearwater.
The island's name likely derives from a historical, possibly temporary, presence of rabbits, though the details surrounding this are not well documented. Rabbit Island is relatively low-lying and vegetated with coastal scrub.
Access to Rabbit Island is generally restricted to protect the fragile ecosystems and wildlife present. Permits are typically required for visitation. Conservation efforts on the island are focused on maintaining the habitat for the seabirds and mitigating potential threats such as introduced species and human disturbance. It is administered as part of the state's protected area network.