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Sculptures in volcanic rock, made by the Easter Islanders (Heyerdahl, 1958). a) Totora reed boat with three masts and sails, b) woman with fish on back, c) sculpture representing a whale, with a hut and an oven or umu on its tail.
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Easter Island, Rapa Nui or Te pito o te henua, is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean halfway between South America and Oceania, constituting one of the most isolated places on the planet. It was colonized by Polynesians at the end of the first millennium of the Christian era, thus becoming one of the extremes of the Polynesian triangle. The island...
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Context 1
... of sea-related themes in the island's folklore. There are also many small stone statues with representations related to this subject. Some of them have been described by Heyerdahl (1958), e.g., a woman with a fish on her back, and another of a whale with a straw hut on its back, a typical earth oven on its tail and six balls under its stomach (Fig. 7). Equally famous throughout the world are the wooden sculptures representing the bird-man or tangata manu and the bas-reliefs seen on the Orongo village, linked to life by the sea. (Mulloy, ...
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Citations
... Rapa Nui is one of the world's most isolated oceanic islands and possesses the south-easternmost coral reef in the Pacific Ocean (Arana, 2014;Friedlander et al., 2013;Randall & Cea, 2011). The marine fauna of Rapa Nui is notably less diverse than other reef ecosystems in the central and western Pacific (Friedlander et al., 2013;Randall & Cea, 2011). ...
We report new records of the fisheries‐harvested subtropical greater amberjack Seriola dumerili for the south‐east Pacific Ocean. Despite local fishers' asserting that three Seriola morphotypes exist in the region, only one species (the yellowtail amberjack Seriola lalandi) was previously scientifically recorded for Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island). Whilst we present the first “scientific record”, S. dumerili, traditional ecological knowledge suggests that this is likely a pre‐existing (albeit transient) species of the Rapa Nui ecoregion. Establishing the existing/historic distributional limits of commercially and ecologically valuable species is key for observing climate‐driven distribution shifts, and the inclusion of traditional ecological knowledge is particularly important in areas with relatively lower scientific effort.
... Rapa Nui (Easter Island; Latitude − 27.12°, Longitude − 109.37°) in the southeast Pacific is one of the most isolated inhabited places in the world and is 3800 km west of continental Chile and > 2200 km from the Pitcairn Islands, the nearest inhabited place (Boyko 2003). The island, which has a surface area of 163.6 km 2 (Arana 2014), is close to the center of the South Pacific Subtropical Gyre, which drives the most important circulation features around it (Andrade et al. 2014). Shallow reef communities are mainly dominated by two scleractinian corals with a wide bathymetric distribution range (i.e., Porites lobata and Pocillopora verrucosa), which cover ~ 80% of the bottom (Wieters et al. 2014). ...
Coral reefs are structurally complex habitats that provide diverse shelter for motile benthic invertebrates (MBI), including those with cryptic and nocturnal behaviors. In this study, diel changes in MBI structure (species composition, density, and biomass) and functions (trophic groups and isotopic diversity indices) were examined on coral reefs at Rapa Nui (27° S, 109° W). Diurnal and nocturnal surveys (March 2016) revealed that echinoderms were the dominant invertebrates throughout the diel cycle in terms of density, biomass, and their trophic role. The density and biomass of MBI were higher at night than during the day. Significant diel changes were detected in the structure of MBI and trophic groups, where the diurnal assemblages were mostly herbivores and the nocturnal assemblages were mostly detritivores. Moreover, the isotopic uniqueness index indicated that nocturnal MBI were trophically more redundant than their diurnal counterparts; consequently, the high nocturnal biodiversity did not necessarily increase trophic diversity. This time and trophic partitioning of MBI could have important consequences for energy transfer on the reefs and must be considered in future monitoring programs. Endemic taxa represented approximately a quarter of the species (26%), but had low density and biomass during both time periods, suggesting a modest influence on energy transfers on these coral reefs. However, their restricted geographic distribution and current low abundances could make these species vulnerable to extinction; therefore, management and conservation actions in the new multiple-use marine protected area of Rapa Nui should include these species.
... To confront the fishing pressure imposed on Chile's marine biodiversity and to protect critical ecosystems, in 2010 the Chilean government created the Motu Motiro Hiva Marine Park (MMHMP), a large-scale (150,000 km 2 ) no-take marine protected area surrounding Salas y Gómez Island (Figure 1). It is considered one of the most isolated islands in the world, with the south-easternmost distribution of coral reef systems (Arana, 2014;Friedlander et al., 2013;Randall & Cea, 2011). This ecosystem is dominated by top predator species such as the Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) and three species of jacks (Caranx lugubris, Pseudocaranx cheilio, and Seriola lalandi). ...
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• This study investigated the movement of two top predators: the Galapagos shark, Carcharhinus galapagensis, and the yellowtail amberjack, Seriola lalandi, in and around the Motu Motiro Hiva Marine Park (MMHMP) using MiniPAT satellite tags to determine the effectiveness of this MPA for the protection of these species.
• The Galapagos sharks (n = 4) spent most of their tag deployment periods inside the MMHMP. However, high intraspecific variability was observed in their movement dynamics. Daily individual maximum movements ranged from 17 to 58 km and the maximum distance from Salas y Gómez Island, the only emergent island within the MMHMP, ranged from 31 to 139 km.
• The maximum linear distance travelled for a female juvenile Galapagos shark (152 cm total length) was 236 km, which is greater than the maximum distance previously documented for juveniles of this species (<50 km).
• For the yellowtail amberjack (n = 1), 91% of the satellite geolocations were within the MMHMP, with a maximum daily distance travelled of 6 km. The maximum distance travelled between points was 111 km and the maximum distance from Salas y Gómez Island was 62 km.
• All archival tagged fish spent most of their time at depths of <50 m and never left the epipelagic zone. Daytime versus night‐time differences were pronounced in all individuals but showed high interindividual variability.
• This study provides a baseline on the movement of these two top predators in the MMHMP and provides valuable insights for the creation of MPAs in the region and elsewhere.
... Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island; 27 7 0 S, 109 22 0 W), is one of the most isolated oceanic islands in the world; located 2100 km east of the Pitcairn Islands (United Kingdom Overseas Territory) and 2300 km west of the Juan Fernández Islands (Chile). Despite its subtropical climate, Rapa Nui harbours the most south-easterly coral reefs in the Pacific (Arana, 2014;Friedlander et al., 2013;Randall & Cea, 2010). In December 2017 a single T. obesus specimen was observed by a dive instructor during a recreational dive at c. 18 m depth, at Hanga Roa Bay (27 08 0 57 00 S, 109 25 0 56 00 W) on the central west side of Rapa Nui. ...
On 20 December 2017, a mature Triaenodon obesus was observed at Hanga Roa Bay, Rapa Nui (Easter Island) at c.18 m depth. This observation increases both the range of T. obesus in the Pacific Ocean and the number of elasmobranch species at Rapa Nui. In combination with other recent sightings further extending the southern range of this species during the Austral summer, sea surface temperature is suggested as key to southern dispersal.
... Due to the paucity and small size of marine shell on Rapa Nui, shell fishhooks are unknown [95]. Near-shore foraging for invertebrates, such as octopus, crabs, lobsters, and urchins, was also practiced, though these were possibly of lower importance [95,97]. ...
Explaining the processes underlying the emergence of monument construction is a major theme in contemporary anthropological archaeology, and recent studies have employed spatially-explicit modeling to explain these patterns. Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile) is famous for its elaborate ritual architecture, particularly numerous monumental platforms (ahu) and statuary (moai). To date, however, we lack explicit modeling to explain spatial and temporal aspects of monument construction. Here, we use spatially-explicit point-process modeling to explore the potential relations between ahu construction locations and subsistence resources, namely, rock mulch agricultural gardens, marine resources, and freshwater sources—the three most critical resources on Rapa Nui. Through these analyses, we demonstrate the central importance of coastal freshwater seeps for precontact populations. Our results suggest that ahu locations are most parsimoniously explained by distance from freshwater sources, in particular coastal seeps, with important implications for community formation and inter-community competition in precontact times.
... The presence of bone and stone fishhooks also attest to the creation of tools specifically for acquiring fish (M etraux, 1940). In addition, it has been suggested that microwear patterns on prehistoric human dental enamel are consistent with seafood consumption (Polet, 2011) and petroglyphs could suggest the cultural importance of fishing (Arana, 2014). However, estimates of the relative contribution of seafood to Rapa Nui diets vary considerably; for example while M etraux (1940) considers it to have been less important, Thomson (1891) described seafood as a principal dietary staple. ...
Objectives:
The Rapa Nui "ecocide" narrative questions whether the prehistoric population caused an avoidable ecological disaster through rapid deforestation and over-exploitation of natural resources. The objective of this study was to characterize prehistoric human diets to shed light on human adaptability and land use in an island environment with limited resources.
Materials and methods:
Materials for this study included human, faunal, and botanical remains from the archaeological sites Anakena and Ahu Tepeu on Rapa Nui, dating from c. 1400 AD to the historic period, and modern reference material. We used bulk carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses and amino acid compound specific isotope analyses (AA-CSIA) of collagen isolated from prehistoric human and faunal bone, to assess the use of marine versus terrestrial resources and to investigate the underlying baseline values. Similar isotope analyses of archaeological and modern botanical and marine samples were used to characterize the local environment.
Results:
Results of carbon and nitrogen AA-CSIA independently show that around half the protein in diets from the humans measured came from marine sources; markedly higher than previous estimates. We also observed higher δ(15) N values in human collagen than could be expected from the local environment.
Discussion:
Our results suggest highly elevated δ(15) N values could only have come from consumption of crops grown in substantially manipulated soils. These findings strongly suggest that the prehistoric population adapted and exhibited astute environmental awareness in a harsh environment with nutrient poor soils. Our results also have implications for evaluating marine reservoir corrections of radiocarbon dates.
... This 163.6 km 2 volcanic island is one of the most isolated places on Earth, motivating the interest in its history, evolution and the mysteries of their megalithic sculptures or moai carved in the volcanic tuff by its ancestral inhabitants ca. 400-1500 A.C (Van Tilburg 1994, Arana 2014. However, in contrast to the rich archaeological and cultural heritage, little attention has been given to its native fauna (Schlatter 1987, Fernández andHormazábal 2014). ...
Easter Island is located in the southeastern corner of Polynesia. This 163.6 km2 volcanic island is one of the most isolated places on Earth. During spring 2014 and 2015, we studied a breeding colony of Red-tailed Tropicbirds (Phaethon rubricauda) located on Rano Raraku Volcano. We specifically aimed to determine (1) main nest types used by tropicbirds, (2) nest distribution and abundance, (3) breeding success, and (4) threats faced by tropicbirds at this colony. Results showed presence of four nest types: rock caves, moai nest, rockprotected,
and vegetation nests. Nests were strongly associated with unfinished moai statues. Breeding success ranged from 37% in 2014 to 26% in 2015. Camera traps and direct observations showed interactions with five invasive alien species: the raptor Chimango Caracara (Milvago chimango) was the most severe predator of unattended eggs and chicks; cats were observed close to adult birds; dogs killed fledglings; ants preyed on newborn chicks; rats were recorded inspecting both occupied and unoccupied nests. We suggest that this is a relatively new and expanding colony. Urgent measures to control and /or eradicate invasive alien species on Rano Raraku are needed to improve breeding success and persistence of this colony in the future.
... Panulirus pascuensis (Fig. 5) International name: Easter Island lobster Local name: Langosta de Isla de Pascua or "ura" (Rapa Nui name) Distribution: This species is distributed in shallow waters (depths of 0-10 m) around EI, SG and Pitcairn in the southern Pacific Ocean. General species background: Extraction of this species was conducted by ancient Rapa Nui islanders by underwater diving during the day or by attracting them with torches at night (Arana, 2014b). The introduction of traps began in 1953 when they were first brought from the JFA. ...
The Chilean oceanic islands are located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean and include Easter Island, Salas y Gomez Island, Desventuradas Islands (San Felix Island and San Ambrosio Island), and the Juan Fernandez Archipelago. They are of volcanic origin and are the emerged peaks of seamounts that form part of the Salas y Gomez and Nazca ranges that rise up from the Nazca tectonic plate. The islands are at a great distance from each other and from the South American continent, and their surrounding areas have depths around 4000 m to the ocean floor. The objective of this study is to update stomatopods and decapods records from these islands, from their surrounding waters and from the seamount ranges of which they are part of. Given that there is little information on some of these sites, and the records are disperse, a literature review is carried out, analysing different sources including both published reports and reports with limited circulation. To date, three families of Stomatopoda with five species and 57 families of Decapoda with 194 species have been recorded. Of this total, three species represent potential resources to develop fisheries and only another three are exploited to differing degrees (Jasus frontalis, Panulirus pascuensis and Chaceon chilensis). Their more relevant aspects, including their exploitation status, are described.
... Panulirus pascuensis (Fig. 5) International name: Easter Island lobster Local name: Langosta de Isla de Pascua or "ura" (Rapa Nui name) Distribution: This species is distributed in shallow waters (depths of 0-10 m) around EI, SG and Pitcairn in the southern Pacific Ocean. General species background: Extraction of this species was conducted by ancient Rapa Nui islanders by underwater diving during the day or by attracting them with torches at night (Arana, 2014b). The introduction of traps began in 1953 when they were first brought from the JFA. ...
RESUMEN. En la region suroriental del Oceano Pacifico se encuentran las islas oceanicas chilenas, que corresponden a Isla de Pascua, Isla Salas y Gomez, Islas Desventuradas (I. San Felix e I. San Ambrosio) y Archipielago Juan Fernandez. Todas son de origen volcanico y corresponden a las cumbres emergidas de montes submarinos que forman parte de las cordilleras Salas y Gomez, y Nazca que se levantan sobre la placa tectonica de Nazca. Estas islas tienen como caracteristicas comunes estar alejadas entre si y del continente sudamericano, con profundidades en su entorno, de alrededor de 4.000 m hasta el piso oceanico. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo actualizar el registro de las especies de Stomatopoda y Decapoda en estas islas, en aguas circundantes y en la cadena de montes submarinos de las que forman parte. Dada la escasa informacion en algunos de estos lugares y que los registros se encuentran dispersos, se ha efectuado la revision de literatura proveniente de diferentes fuentes, tanto publicadas como de informes de circulacion restringida. A la fecha se han registrado tres familias de Stomatopoda con cinco especies y 57 familias de Decapoda con 194 especies. De este total, tres especies constituyen especies potenciales y otras tres son explotadas con diferente intensidad (Jasus frontalis, Panulirus pascuensis and Chaceon chilensis). Se describen sus aspectos mas relevantes y su estado actual de explotacion.
... Human samples were from seven archaeological sites, and animal samples were from a single site (Anakena Beach). These authors concluded that the Easter Islanders' diet was predominantly terrestrial, a relatively surprising conclusion in an insular context with abundant zooarchaeological remains of marine animals ( Table 1 in Commendador et al., 2013) and with a welldeveloped and diversified fishing technology (Métraux, 1971, p. 174-192;Arana, 2014). They demonstrated a decline in nitrogen isotope ratios through time, interpreted as a chronological decrease in consumption of terrestrial animal protein. ...
