The removal of cats in 2000 caused “catastrophic” damage to the ecology of a sub-Antarctic island.

Since cats were removed from [Macquarie Island](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macquarie_Island “Wikipedia”), rabbit numbers have soared, and they are now devastating plants. The rabbits have now caused so much damage to the island’s flora that the changes can be seen from space.

Cats previously kept a check on rabbits but were eradicated because they were also eating seabirds. The Australian government plans to eradicate rabbits, rats and mice from the island.

[Read](http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7824153.stm “Read the Article”) (BBC)