New Zealand's wildlife is remarkable for its uniqueness and scarcity of native land mammals. The only mammals that arrived naturally are a few species of
, which remain the country's sole native mammals. Instead, the islands developed ecosystems dominated by birds, many of which evolved without the need to fly, due to the absence of natural predators. Notable examples include the
, a small, flightless bird with a long beak, the kakapo, a large, nocturnal
, and the takahe, a colorful, ground-dwelling
.
When humans settled in New Zealand, they brought with them a variety of animals that have since altered the natural balance. Rats, dogs, and
have become major threats to native species. Domesticated animals such as
and cattle were introduced for farming, along with
for work, and have become central to the country's economy. Some wild species, like
and marsupial
, were released into nature and have become invasive.
Reptiles are represented by the
, a rare and ancient species that resembles a lizard but belongs to a distinct lineage dating back hundreds of millions of years. Amphibians are few, with only a small number of native
species, some of which have unusual traits like internal fertilization and live birth.
New Zealand's surrounding waters are rich in marine life. Seals, dolphins, and various species of
are commonly seen along the coast and are popular with wildlife watchers. The ocean also supports a wide variety of fish and
, which are important both for local diets and export industries.
The country is also home to many seabirds, including the
, known for its massive wingspan, and the
, which nests in large colonies on coastal cliffs. These birds, along with others like petrels and shearwaters, play a vital role in the marine ecosystem and are a key part of New Zealand's natural heritage.
