Story: Human effects on the environment

Kiore (Pacific rat)

Kiore (Pacific rat)

Kiore, the Pacific rat (Rattus exulans), was introduced to New Zealand by the earliest Polynesian settlers. It had an immediate effect on the populations of small birds and other small animals, and was responsible for the extinction of a number of species.

Using this item

Department of Conservation
Reference: 10033847
Photograph by Dick Veitch

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

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/photograph/12531/kiore-pacific-rat (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Janet Wilmshurst, published 24 Sep 2007