Endemics of New Zealand

New Zealand is a distant country, at least geographically. Its close neighborhood to Australia solely has influenced a lot, as well as there are some similar issues about their natural environment. These lands are abundant in endemic species, which preconditioned their travel attractiveness. Indeed, the variety of animal world is one of the characteristic features of both New Zealand and Australia. However, everyone is aware of Australian animals, but less attention is paid to New Zealand. It is better to consider the most vivid species of this archipelago that are much associated with Maori culture (for instance, New Zealand sea urchin - Kina). 1. Whales and dolphins’ species were pretty common in New Zealand’s waters in the 19th century, but due to massive catching and poaching their population reduced significantly. 35 of 77 local species might be met till nowadays. The endemic dolphin is white-fronted dolphin. Sometimes scientists observe several colonies of sea lions and fur seals on the shores. 2. Mustelids species (specifically, ferrets, stoats and weasels) negatively affect an ecosystem of the local environment, posing a threat to other animals and birds. In fact, their wide distribution is under control of the authorities that is obstructed by Mustelids’ nocturnal habit of life. Especially, the biggest danger is experienced by Kiwi birds; their eggs usually become a meal for stoats, and thus the chicks rarely grow up. 3. Australia possum was brought here in 1837 as a fur animal. Its population was controlled by dingo, forest fires, and the paucity of vegetation of Australian deserts, but in New Zealand they found a truly comfortable habitat, which encouraged their rapid distribution. As a result, local flora has experienced serious troubles, endemic trees specifically - rata, totara, titoki, kowhai, kohekohe. Besides, possums also are prime enemies of birds and snails. They are also peddlers of tuberculosis.4. No snakes are registered in New Zealand, which makes it a real paradise for people afraid of these creatures. On the contrary, there are four endemic species of frogs; the other three are extinct nowadays. All of them belong to Leiopelma family, which changed little during 70 million years of evolution.5. Most of local birds are endemics, which is caused by small number of predatory species (excluding stoats and possums). They are kiwi, parson bird, bellbird, New Zealand pigeon, various macaws and parrots. It is interesting to know that extinct birds’ species were giants in sizes and weight, including non-flying birds.