Island Extinctions, Laysan

Laysan is a remote atoll located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, renowned for its pristine and isolated ecological environment. The island boasts a diverse ecosystem, featuring a multitude of seabird colonies. In the late 19th century, rabbits were introduced to Laysan, leading to overgrazing that devastated the native vegetation and disrupted the natural habitat. This, combined with human activities, significantly contributed to the decline and eventual extinction of the Laysan rail, and other species on the island. Conservation efforts have since focused on eradicating invasive species and restoring the island's ecosystem to prevent further extinctions and preserve its unique biodiversity.