The unique nature and fauna of New Zealand, rich in endemic plants and birds, is due to remoteness from other lands and long historical isolation for 60-80 million years. Approximately one thousand years ago in New Zealand there were mammals:
- sea lions and seals;
- whales;
- several types of bats.
Land development
With the advent of man, rats and dogs appeared on the islands. A little later, pigs, goats, cows, cats and mice were brought in. The active formation of European settlements in the 19th century provoked the emergence of new animal species.
New Zealand has two types of endemic mammals that are descended from rare varieties of bats. Among the most unique and popular are:
- kiwi bird;
- the world's largest kakapo parrot;
- one of the oldest reptiles - tuatara;
- the only mountain parrot kea.
The most devastating effects on plants and animals in New Zealand were triggered by the appearance of rats, rabbits andopossums.
Kiwi
The fauna of the islands is exceptional and unique. For example, the symbol of New Zealand - kiwi - is positioned as a bird, although it cannot even fly, it does not have full wings.
Representatives of the wingless genus do not have feathers, hair grows instead of them, they also have very powerful paws, with which these creatures walk and run. Kiwi is a nocturnal animal. The main enemies are birds (falcons and eagles). Kiwis have developed the ability to hide in forests or bushes and be nocturnal, which reduces the likelihood of being eaten by other animals. They are very aggressive. It is noteworthy that kiwis do not defend themselves with their beaks, like birds, but use their sharp claws. There are five types of kiwi.
What other animals are there in New Zealand
Kakapo is a single member of the owl parrot subfamily. He has a very strongly developed facial plumage, so he has a similarity with owls. The feathers of the parrot are green with black stripes on the back.
The kakapo has excellent wings, but due to the fact that the keel of the sternum is practically undeveloped, and the muscles are very weak, it cannot fly. Previously, these endemics were widespread in New Zealand, but now they remain only in the southwestern part of the South Island. The parrot lives in forests and in areas with high humidity. Kakapo is the only parrot that is predominantly nocturnal or twilight. During the day, it hides in burrows or crevices.rocks.
Reptiles
Tuatara is a unique animal of New Zealand, a descendant of dinosaurs. It is protected at the legislative level, and the government is trying to prevent the extinction of the population, since only one hundred thousand reptiles remain.
They have a lot of enemies, including themselves (male tuatars are considered cannibals, they can eat eggs and growing offspring). They are also attacked by birds and other predators. Tuatara have a higher death rate than births. It takes a long time to reproduce offspring. Reptiles live up to a hundred years. Tuatara's favorite food is insects.
More animals live in New Zealand
The ermine was brought to New Zealand to control the rabbit population. But the animal successfully acclimatized and began to breed very intensively, which led to an increase in the population. Thus, the ermine turned from a helper into a pest that began to exterminate the chicks and eggs of local birds. This animal is a predator, has 34 sharp teeth and paws with tenacious claws. The animals are very agile and excellent at climbing trees. The stoat eats small rodents and birds.
Kangaroo
These are marsupials that move by jumping. A distinctive feature of this species is that the cubs are formed in the mother's pouch, which is located on the stomach. Kangaroos have powerful hind legs that help them jump, and a long tail with which they keep their balance. The kangaroo has long ears and short soft fur. These New Zealand animals prefernocturnal and live in groups of several individuals. Many species of kangaroos are on the verge of extinction.
New Zealand skinks
There are three types of skinks: otago, suter and big skink. Otago is a giant among endemic lizards and reaches 30 cm in length. Skinks breed every year. Offspring are usually 3-6 cubs.
Skinks have greenish-yellow skin with stripes that provide excellent camouflage for rocky, lichen-covered environments. Lizards feed on insects and fruits of plants. They can often be observed on the rocks, where they bask in the sun. The number of large skinks alone, according to the Ministry of Nature Protection, is 2-3 thousand individuals.
New Zealand Fur Seal
The fur seal belongs to the species of eared seals. Their fur is greyish-brown in color. Males have a chic black mane. The growth of males is approximately 2 m 50 cm, and their weight can reach up to 180 kg. Females are much smaller than males: their height does not exceed 150 cm, and they weigh half as much as the representatives of the male half. Fur seals are New Zealand animals that live throughout the ocean, primarily on Macquarie Island. It is inhabited all year round by young males who are not yet able to reclaim their own territories. At the end of the 19th century, large populations of fur seals were almost completely exterminated. Currently, the animals are listed in the Red Book, there are approximately 35 thousand individuals.
New Zealand Sea Lion
The animal has a brown-black color. Males have a mane that covers their shoulders, which makes them appear larger and more powerful. Females are much smaller than males, their coat is light gray. Ninety-five percent of the fur seal population is found on Auckland Island. Each male defends its own territory from other males. In battles, the most enduring and strongest representative wins. There are approximately 10-15 thousand individuals of this species.
Practically all kinds of animals are protected by the state. New Zealand animals (you can see the photo in the article), which cannot survive on their own, live in 14 national parks and hundreds of small reserves under the constant supervision of specialists. The unimaginable beauty and uniqueness of the local flora and fauna attracts millions of tourists from all over the world.
