Rats eat the seeds and seedlings of plants thus reducing the level of natural regeneration in our native forests. Rats are known predators of lizard and bird eggs, chicks and baby reptiles and even the adults of some native species.
Rats also damage crops, contaminate stock feed, damage buildings and carry diseases.
The kiore arrived in New Zealand in the canoes of the early Maori. Once widespread the kiore is now only found on Stewart Island and a few offshore islands. Although kiore do pose a threat to native fauna and flora this is not to the same degree as the Norway or ship rat. Norway rats were the first European rodents to become established in New Zealand when they arrived in the late 18th century on board North American and European sailing ships. These rats are now widespread throughout New Zealand.