ratsThere are three species of rat in NZ, the ship rat, the Norway (or water rat) and the kiore, all of which were introduced. The more rats and mice we have, the more mustelids we attract. |
Ship rats inhabit most places but are most common in bush areas. They are excellent climbers and can be identified by having a tail longer than their body, which varies in colour from light black to grey. Ship rats don't dig burrows but still hoard food in natural cavities. Norway rats dig burrows and like the ship rats, hoard food. They live on the ground and can swim 500 metres. The Norway rat is larger than the ship rat with a body about 200mm long. It has a thick tail, which is shorter than its body. They are common where food is stored or processed around farms, industrial areas land fills and wetlands. Kiore or pacific rat is the smallest of the three and has largely been displaced by the Norway and Ship rats. Kiore are now only found in a few isolated pockets mostly on offshore Islands. |
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These photos were taken by volunteer Stuart Park, who set up a hidden camera which is triggered by movement. The rat is investigating one of our bush bait stations. See more of his kiwi and possum photos.