Estimating early contact‐era populations for lutruwita (Tasmania)

2024/02/01 by Roger W. Byard, Hamish Maxwell‐Stewart · 1 voice · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Environmental Science · #Pacific and Southeast Asian Studies #Historical and Cultural Archaeology Studies #Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

paper · pdf · doi:10.1111/aehr.12282

Abstract

Abstract While there have been many attempts to calculate pre‐contact Aboriginal population sizes for Tasmania, estimates have varied from as little as 800 to as many as 20,000. We adapt a technique employed by Noel Butlin to model Australian continental populations in 1788 to the peculiar circumstances of Tasmania. We conclude that higher, rather than lower, pre‐contact populations are likely. While the direct and indirect consequences of conflict were a serious contributor to the collapse in population, introduced disease played a significant role. This included sexually transmitted disease (a cause of declining fertility), as well as pulmonary disorders and crusted scabies.

Cited by

• Indigenous populations of the Pacific and American West

Discussions

• Byard & Maxwell-Stewart report high pre-contact Indigenous population in Tasmania & subsequent fast decline using historical evidence of disease, fertility decline, violence & resource loss doi.org/10 [bsky, 9 points, 0 comments]

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