January 16th, 2009 at 9:43AM
Ecosystem devastated after predators wiped out Australia’s Macquarie Island, a severe-looking but biologically rich outpost of land between Australia and Antarctica, had too many cats. They were eating the island’s bird life. So between 1985 and 2001, all the island’s felines were shot.But getting rid of the cats, researchers have discovered, has allowed the population of another invasive species — the rabbit — to boom. As a result, the island’s soil and plant life are feeling the effects. — Nature.com

Ecosystem devastated after predators wiped out

Australia’s Macquarie Island, a severe-looking but biologically rich outpost of land between Australia and Antarctica, had too many cats. They were eating the island’s bird life. So between 1985 and 2001, all the island’s felines were shot.

But getting rid of the cats, researchers have discovered, has allowed the population of another invasive species — the rabbit — to boom. As a result, the island’s soil and plant life are feeling the effects. — Nature.com

#rabbits#australia#biology#botany#science#cats
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