Native animals

Native Animals

If you want to know about NZ native animals you are reading the right book. Native animals are animals that were originally unique to a country. They have not been brought in by people from other countries.

Kiwis

People in New Zealand are called Kiwis,after the kiwi birds, witch is a national emblem. When the chinese gooseberry was grown over here, its name was changed to kiwi fruit to show it came from New Zealand. The kiwi was named by the Māori people. You can see a kiwi at Kiwi North, Whangarei.Auckland Zoo.Kiwi Encounter at Rainbow Springs, Rotorua ,Kiwi House and Native Bird Park, Otorohanga.The National Aquarium of New Zealand and Napier. Kiwis eat seeds, grubs,worms and sometimes fruit (they dont touch kiwi fruit). Kiwis are sadly endangered mostly because of dogs and the most rarest kiwi is the Rowi Kiwi.

   

Keas

Although Keas are the worlds only alpine parrot, They are considered as pests because of their habit of damaging cars and and attacking sheep. Despite their protected status, Keas have divided kiwis to those who enjoy the cheeky parrots animated nature, and those who curse its destructive habits such as damaging cars,tents and building in alpine environments,attacking stock and habitually stealing food. The kea eats mainly roots,leaves,berries,nectar and insects. You can see a Kea in the South Island of New Zealand. Keas are about 48cm.

Bats

Bats are New Zealands only native land mammals. There are only two land mammals native to New Zealand, and they are both bats – the long-tailed bat and the lesser short-tailed bat. The Māori name for both species is pekapeka.The bats live in native forests throughout New Zealand. They roost in large hollow trees and the occasional cave, sometimes alone and sometimes in colonies (groups) of up to 100 bats.Most bats eat insects and are called insectivores. These bats like to eat beetles, moths, mosquitoes, and more.

Facts

Kiwis scientific species name is Apteryx                    (ap ter ex) Kea scientific name is Nestor notabilis             (nestor not a beis) Bats scientific name is Chiroptera (ki rop tra)

Native animals are important as they are part of our ecosystem. They need to be protected so our native habitats stay in balance.