In my previous blogs I have detailed the internal forces that shaped the history of the Rapa Nui.  From the islands discovery by Hotu Manu'a and the develpement of a megalithic culture to the rise of the Birdman Cult - the Rapa Nui existed for 800 years.  Was it the depletion of natural resources and competition for these resources that would be its demise, yes to some degree.  But it was external not only internal forces that were responsible for the end of the ancient Rapa Nui culture.