News From the Field

Spanish missions triggered Native American population collapse, indirect impact on climate


January 25, 2016

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Long-term daily contact with Spanish missions triggered the severe and rapid collapse of Native American populations in what is now New Mexico, according to a new study. The indirect effects rippled through the surrounding forests. New interdisciplinary research resolves longstanding debate about timing and magnitude of American Indian population collapse in the region, confirming it didn't happen upon first contact with Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s.Full Story

Source
Southern Methodist University

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