On many places in the kerguelen (total area 7215 km2) where the birds make
their nest on the ground for lack of trees wild cats, descendants of pets
left by seal hunters and winter visitors, are hunting. The cats don't have enemies and
they devour thousands of birds.
There are also insects brought along with the visitors in their luggage. They
can't fly in connection with the strong wind and after some time their wings shriveled.
All over the place I find rabbit holes
and under my feet there is an extensive web of tunnels.
There are sheep on my island. I brought them from El Fuego, my earlier address. I take comfort
in the learning that on kerguelen many sheep are neglected and now they have a great
resistance towards coldness.
The imported rabbits eat all the kerguelen cabbage
so nothing is left for me.The kerguelen cabbage is a relic of the time
the temperature on kerguelen was high. The leaves of the cabbage contain
ascorbic acid, the remedy against scurvy. The cabbage has saved many
sailors.
robert