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It could be argued that the influence of the Macassans was negative, for two major reasons.

1. The Macassans were the first to interact at length with the indigenous Australians. Their influence changed Aboriginal culture inexorably. Words from their language made their way into the Aboriginal dialects; their tools were introduced, as were hunting methods and weapons; even Asian stories and music infiltrated indigenous culture.

2. It is believed that Macassans were the first to introduce domestic cats to Australia, even before the Dutch explorers did. These domestic cats were sometimes left behind, resulting in a rapid expansion of new, feral populations, which have caused untold damage to native wildlife.

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12y ago

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