In 1874, sailors released rabbits on the Kerguelen Islands as emergency food; the invasion reshaped coastal vegetation and later altered plant communities on the central plateau

In 1874, rabbits were introduced to Kerguelen, leading to severe damage to the unique coastal vegetation. As these invasive creatures proliferated, they also affected the island’s central plateau, disrupting its delicate ecosystem. Analyzing lake sediment DNA showed a notable decline in plant variety and a surge in soil erosion following the introduction of rabbits. Today, Kerguelen’s ecosystem exists in a radically transformed equilibrium.
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