Study reconstruction raises pre-colonization Indigenous population estimate to 2.22 million
SCIENCEUnverifiedUpdated:
A reported reconstruction estimates a median pre-colonization Indigenous population of 2.22 million in Australia. That is far above the often-cited 250,000–300,000 estimate, though the researchers emphasize substantial uncertainty.
A reconstruction combining five estimation methods
Researchers led by archaeological consultant Alan Williams combined two computer-modeling estimates, two genetic reconstructions, and archaeological radiocarbon-record analysis to reconstruct Australia’s Indigenous population before colonization. They report a median estimate of 2.22 million people before British colonization began in 1788.
Long-influential estimates put Australia’s pre-colonization Indigenous population at roughly 250,000 to 300,000 people.
A new reconstruction combining five estimation approaches places the median estimate at 2.22 million—up to seven times the earlier commonly used figures. The researchers acknowledge substantial uncertainty, with their evidence supporting at least more than 1 million and more likely 2 to 3 million.
If supported, the revised baseline substantially changes the scale used to understand the population loss experienced by Indigenous Australians during the colonial era. The researchers also stress that the estimates carry considerable uncertainty.
Sources
- ScienceAlertAustralia's Indigenous Population Was 7 Times Larger Than Estimated, Study FindsRead source →