When the Dutch arrived in the area in 1652, the only large animals on the island were seals and birds, principally penguins. In 1654, the settlers released rabbits on the island to provide a ready source of meat for passing ships.
when the dutch arrived in the area in 1652 the only large animals on the island were seals and birds principally penguins in 1654 the settlers released rabbits on the island to provide a ready source of meat for passing ships