But the arrival of cats in Hawaii circa 1800 had little to do with the loss of birds, while the introduction of sugar cane plantations in 1802, coffee plantations in 1842, and pineapple plantations in 1898 had a great deal to do with it. (animals24-7.org)
Avian diseases accidentally imported in connection with cockfighting also had a part in the loss of native Hawaiian birds, but blaming cats and feral mongooses, introduced to Hawaii in 1883 to hunt rats on sugar cane plantations, has long been more politically convenient than challenging the practices of Hawaii's biggest export industries. (animals24-7.org)
Forest fragments of the Brazilian Mata Atlântica forest in Brazil are surrounded by sugar cane plantations. (sciencedaily.com)