Story: Acclimatisation

Kiore (Pacific rat) (2nd of 3)

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
Photograph 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, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/17455/kiore-pacific-rat (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 24 Nov 2008