The threat of rats
Ship rat in Fantail nest
Rats have a major impact on New Zealand's wildlife because they eat birds and their eggs and chicks, lizards, and invertebrates. They also eat a wide range of native fruits and other plant material, which puts them in competition with native wildlife for food.
Ship rats are causing the most damage to our wildlife because they are good climbers, so they are able to get access to most bird nests high in trees. Norway rats are large enough to kill nesting adult seabirds and prey on animals that live, roost or nest close to the ground.
Kiore eat a wide range of foods, including seeds, fruits, lizards, insects, eggs and chicks.