How Did Rats Get to New Zealand?
WouterRats are one of the most common pests in New Zealand, and their presence is affecting native wildlife in large numbers. They eat native plants and animals and compete with them for food. Norway rats are particularly large and are capable of damaging nests of bird species. And they’re good climbers.
Rats were first introduced to New Zealand by Polynesians around 1250-1300 AD. These rats quickly outcompeted the native species and eventually retreated to offshore islands. Over the centuries, more aggressive European rats, including Norway rats, ship rats, and black roof rats, were introduced. The introduction of rats to New Zealand was a result of colonization, and the invasiveness of the resulting population is still a concern today.
The first settlers to New Zealand brought Norway rats with them. These rats are the largest type of rat, growing to 50cm long including the tail. They are easily identified due to their short tails and small ears. These rodents can penetrate into homes and make burrows in the floors. They are a major threat to ground-nesting birds and large invertebrates, and have caused the local extinction of several species.
As New Zealand cools in the autumn, rats are heading indoors. Some of the population is still living in the rat-infested suburb of Titirangi. The rat population is now much larger than cats.
