Pacific Rat

Rattus exulans, or kiore, reached New Zealand with Polynesian voyagers. It is smaller than ship and Norway rats and has relatively delicate feet. It is brown with a pale belly, pointed muzzle and slender tail. Adults are noticeably lighter-built than the other established rats.

Kiore now persist in restricted mainland and offshore-island populations. Taranga, or Hen Island, is one named northern locality, although access is controlled. They eat seeds, fruit, insects, seabirds and reptiles. Activity is mainly nocturnal, with good climbing ability.

New Zealand treats kiore as Introduced rather than threat-ranked. There is no routine public viewing site; access to Taranga requires permission and sightings are unlikely.