This idyllic meadow holds within it an unexpected complexity. Rabbits eat the grass, foxes and hawks eat the rabbits, and the numbers rise and crash in turn. Choose the animals' and environment's traits, then watch the patterns emerge.
RabbitsRabbits graze the grass and breed like there is no tomorrow. They run from foxes and dive into burrows when a fox or hawk comes close. Too many rabbits strip the meadow bare, and then they starve.
FoxesFoxes patrol the meadow and hunt rabbits. They need a steady supply to breed, so they boom after the rabbits do. When prey runs short they range wider and hunt harder.
HawksHawks glide high over everything, water included, and swoop on rabbits, now and then a fox. They breed slowly and keep their distance from each other.
The graph and field notesRabbits, foxes, hawks and grass over the last minute. On a wide screen they sit in a drawer: pull it out with the census tab on the meadow's right edge (or G). Click an animal in the field notes to read its rules.
GrassEaten grass stays bare for a while before it grows back.
RiverRabbits and foxes can only cross at the two shallow fords, where they wade slowly. Grass along the banks stays green in a drought.
BurrowsHoles where rabbits hide from foxes, hawks and fire, two to a hole. They stay down until the danger has passed, then come out to eat.
PondAn optional pond that provides an obstacle for rabbits and foxes. The animals walk around it.
CapsA cap stops a species breeding past that number. With no caps, the meadow finds its own limits.
WildfireA fire starts at one edge and drifts with the wind, leaving the ground charred. Animals run from it, and any caught in the flames die. Water stops it, unless Fire jumps rivers is on: then embers can leap across downwind. A fire that burns a long time slowly dies down. The charred ground grows back.
DroughtThe rains fail and the meadow turns brown. Grass barely grows and fewer rabbits are born.
Only one event happens at a time. Set how often each comes on the New meadow card or in Settings, or start one yourself from the side bar.
Ecosystem failedWhen every animal is gone, the meadow falls silent. Start a new meadow or go back to the title.