Easter Island study casts doubt on theory of ‘ecocide’ by early population

Researchers suggest Easter Island, known for its statues, could only ever support a few thousand people. Photograph: Esteban Félix/AP

Easter Island has long been put forward as a prime example of humans undermining their own survival by destroying the environment they rely on. But now fresh data is turning the narrative on its head.

Also known as Rapa Nui, the remote island in Polynesia is well known for its huge stone statues called “moai” and for the idea that its growing population collapsed because of “ecocide”.