The Devastation of Easter Island
Easter Island was a remote island in the French Polynesia covered by trees and considered a paradise by its inhabitants. It came to ruin by deforestation.
Deforestation took place as a result of a combination of events. First, by building Moai, in honor of their gods, the Polynesians removed trees. The Moai weighed approximately 27-250 tons. Palm trees were also used to build seafaring boats to transport the Moai. Some of these trees were over one hundred feet in height were cut down for this very purpose. Secondly, the deforestation led to elimination of food supply. Since the trees were no longer available for protection of the soil and the tradewinds that were prevalent on the island gave way to more erosion it was impossible to grow crops. This eliminated part of the food chain. Also, since canoes could no longer be built the fisherman were limited to fishing along the coral reef. The porpoises, part of their main food supply, disappeared from this coast. They eventually over fished this area so that only small fish, without nutritional value, were available. Thus, this part of the food chain was eliminated. The elimination of the major parts of the food chain led to the practice of cannibalism, the third factor in the devastation of Easter Island. As the tribal warfare broke out, many sought refuge in the coastal caves that were hidden. The refugees waited in hopes that food would wash into their areas. If food did not then the refugees died.
These three factors, as a result of deforestation, led to the collapse of Easter Island.