The story of Amsterdam Island's feral cattle: A herd of cows was left on one of the world's most remote islands; then, decades later, they simply disappeared
In 1871, five cows were left on Amsterdam Island, leading to the formation of a substantial feral herd over 130 years. This isolated population thrived autonomously but ended up harming the native flora and seabird species. Ultimately, conservation initiatives succeeded in removing all the cattle, while ongoing genetic research provides fascinating insights into their exceptional adaptability and resilience.
In 1871, five cows were left on Amsterdam Island, leading to the formation of a substantial feral herd over 130 years. This isolated population thrived autonomously but ended up harming the native flora and seabird species. Ultimately, conservation initiatives succeeded in removing all the cattle, while ongoing genetic research provides fascinating insights into their exceptional adaptability and resilience.
