New Zealand Journal of Zoology abstracts
Notes on New Zealand mammals 7. An extension of the known range for
Pacific rat (Rattus exulans, kiore) in New Zealand
C. Golding*
Department of Conservation
PO Box 93
Wanaka 9343, New Zealand
G. A. Harper
Department of Conservation
PO Box 743
Invercargill 9840, New Zealand
gharper@doc.govt.nz
*Present address: Department of Conservation, PO Box 97,
Motueka 7143, New Zealand.
Keywords distribution; kiore; Pacific rat; Rattus
exulans;
South Island
Pacific rats or kiore (Rattus exulans) were commensal with
Polynesians, and accompanied them to New Zealand in the 13th century or
possibly earlier (Atkinson & Towns 2005). Apart from endemic bats
no terrestrial mammals lived on the New Zealand archipelago at that
stage. Pacific rats colonised both main islands and many others, and
had a deleterious impact on native plant seeds, invertebrates, lizards
and birds. With the introduction, by Europeans, of other rodent species
and mustelids during the 18th century, the previously ubiquitous
distribution of Pacific rats became severely restricted (Atkinson &
Towns 2005). On mainland New Zealand, Pacific rats are now known only
from seven sites in south-west South Island (Atkinson & Towns
2005). All other locations are on Stewart Island and small offshore
islands. It has been suggested that the real distribution of Pacific
rats may be more extensive, but disguised by misidentification or lack
of trapping effort (Ruscoe 2004).
Z08004; Online publication date 12 May 2008; Received 14 January
2008; accepted 1 February 2008
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 2008, Vol. 35: 189–190
0301–4223/08/3502–189 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2008
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