Four species of rodents exist in New Zealand: House mouse; and 3 rat species;  Ship, Norway, and Kiore. All are introduced and all are considered pests.

Rats are a serious threat to New Zealand’s environment. They raid the nests of native birds and feast on the berries, fruit, and seeds that our native birds rely on.  Historically, rats are responsible for the decline of the bellbird, robin, stitch bird, saddleback, and piopio. Today, with fewer species available, they prey upon small forest birds like fantail. Even our larger native birds such as kereru and tui are being killed by rats.