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Story: Acclimatisation

Kiore (Pacific rat)

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Kiore

Kiore (Pacific rats) were introduced to New Zealand by Polynesians around 1250–1300 CE. Kiore (second from right) are smaller than Norway rats (left) and ship or black rats (second from left) but larger than mice (right). Polynesians also introduced one other mammal – the kurī (dog).

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Natural Sciences Image Library of New Zealand

Reference: DSCF9367.jpg

by Peter E. Smith

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How to cite this page

Carl Walrond, Acclimatisation – Improving upon nature, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/17455/kiore-pacific-rat (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Carl Walrond, published 1 March 2009.