Animals of New Zealand: description and photo

The uniqueness of the natural and animal life of New Zealand, rich in endemic plants and birds, is due to remoteness from other lands and a long historical isolation for 60-80 million years. Approximately one thousand years ago in New Zealand from mammals existed:

• Sea lions and seals;
• Whales;
• Several species of bats.

Land Development

With the advent of man on the islands, rats and dogs appeared. A little later, pigs, goats, cows, cats and mice were introduced. The active formation of European settlements in the XIX century provoked the emergence of new species of animals.

In New Zealand, there are two types of endemic mammals that originate from rare species of bats. Among the most unique and popular are:

• A kiwi bird;
• The largest in the world parrot kakapo;
• One of the oldest reptiles - Tuatharu;
• The only mountain kae parrot.

The most damaging consequences for plants and animals in New Zealand were provoked by the appearance of rats, rabbits and opossums.

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 can not even fly, it lacks full wings. The representatives of the genus wingless have no feathers, instead of them hair grows, and they have very powerful paws, with the help of 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 thickets of bushes and lead a nocturnal lifestyle, which reduced the likelihood of being eaten by other animals. They are very aggressive. It is noteworthy that kiwi do not defend their beaks like birds, but use their sharp claws. There are five types of kiwi.

What animals in New Zealand are there yet?

Kakapo is an individual representative of the subfamily of owl parrots. He has a very developed facial plumage, so he has a similarity with owls. The parrot feathers are green with black stripes on their backs. 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 can not fly. Previously, these endemics were widespread in New Zealand, but now 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 leads a predominantly nocturnal or twilight lifestyle. During the day, it hides in the mink or clefts of 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 disappearance of the population, since there are only one hundred thousand reptiles left. They have a lot of enemies, including themselves (males are considered to be cannibals, can eat eggs and growing offspring). They are also attacked by birds and other predators. In juices, the death rate exceeds the birth rate. Reproduction of the offspring requires a long period. Reptiles live to about a hundred years. Favorite food is the insect.

Still other animals live in New Zealand

The mountain was brought to New Zealand in order to control the population of rabbits. But the animal successfully acclimatized and began to grow very intensively, which led to an increase in the population. Thus, the ermine from the assistant turned into a pest that began to exterminate the chicks and eggs of the local birds. This animal is a predator, has 34 sharp teeth and paws with tenacious claws. The animals are very agile and perfectly creep along the trees. Gornostai eats small rodents and birds.

Kangaroo

These are marsupial mammals, move by leaps. A distinctive feature of this species is that the cubs are formed in the mother bag, which is on the stomach. The kangaroos have powerful rear paws to help them jump, and a long tail with which they hold the balance. Kangaroo has long ears and a short soft coat. These animals of New Zealand prefer nightlife 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, sutera and a large skink. Otago is a giant among lizards-endemics and reaches 30 cm in length. The skinks reproduce every year. The offspring are usually 3-6 cubs. Skinks have a greenish-yellow skin with a striped color, which provides excellent disguise for a rocky environment covered with lichens. Lizards feed on insects and fruits of plants. They can often be observed on rocks where they bask in the sun. The number of only large skinks, according to the estimate of 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 wool is grayish-brown in color. The males have a chic black mane. The growth of males is about 2 m 50 cm, and their weight can reach up to 180 kg. The female is much smaller than the males: their height does not exceed 150 cm, and they weigh half as much as the representatives of the male half. Seals are New Zealand animals that live throughout the ocean, above all on the island of Macquarie. It is year-round inhabited by young males, who can not yet conquer their own territories. At the end of the XIX century, large populations of fur seals were almost completely exterminated. Currently, the animals are listed in the Red Book, there are about 35 thousand of them.

New Zealand sea lion

The animal has a brownish-black color. Males are the owners of the mane covering the shoulders, because of which they seem larger and more powerful. Females are much smaller than males, their wool is light gray in color. Ninety-five percent of the fur seal population is found on the island of Auckland. Every male individual defends his own territory from other males. In battles, the most enduring and strong representative wins. There are about 10-15 thousand individuals of this species.

Almost all kinds of animals are protected by the state. Animals of New Zealand (photos you can see in the article), which can not survive on their own, live in 14 national parks and hundreds of small reserves under the constant supervision of specialists. The incredible beauty and uniqueness of the local flora and fauna attracts millions of tourists from all over the world.