Story: Human effects on the environment

Pre-European game-hunting sites

Pre-European game-hunting sites

This map shows archaeological sites where moa or seal bones have been found. It is unlikely that either moa or seal meat was carried far, so these give an indication of the places where moa and seals were killed.

The sealing sites have been split into three groups, according to age (determined by radiocarbon dating). Seven hundred years ago seals were found around the North Island, but by 400 years ago they had become extinct in the area. By the early 19th century they were only found south of Dunedin.

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Source: Malcolm McKinnon, ed. Bateman New Zealand historical atlas. Auckland: David Bateman, 1997, plate 12.

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How to cite this page:

Janet Wilmshurst, 'Human effects on the environment - Early human impact', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/12527/pre-european-game-hunting-sites (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Janet Wilmshurst, published 24 Sep 2007