Endangered Animals of New Zealand

New Zealand is an island nation in the southern hemisphere. It's richness of flora and fauna has helped many animals to thrive. But, the rapid expansion of human population has destroyed their habitat, and made them homeless. Here, we discuss about some endangered animals of New Zealand:

Northern Brown Kiwi: They are endemic creatures of New Zealand, and are endangered animals. According to the red list of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), their population has decreased by 86 percent since 1970s. Newly introduced predators like domestic dogs are their main threat.

Whales: The ocean-waters of New Zealand and Australia are home to the Sei Whale, Blue Whale, and Fin Whale. They are threatened for their survival due to commercial whaling done by the Japanese.

Hector's Dolphin: They are native creatures of New Zealand. According to the red list of IUCN, their population has declined by 75 percent from 1970 to 2009. Over fishing is a major cause for their declining numbers. Even pollution of sea-waters and change of habitat have contributed to their endangerment.

Erect-Crested Penguin: They are found on the Bounty and Antipodes Islands near New Zealand. The main cause of their endangerment is marine-pollution. In addition to it, they have a sparse breeding rate, which has contributed in their declining numbers.

Archey's Frog: They are critically endangered animals as their numbers have dropped by 88 percent in the last seven years. The specific reason for sudden decline in their numbers is still unknown, but it is believed that this decline in their numbers is due to a disease or fungal infection. Special recovery efforts from the New Zealand Department of Conservation are being used to restore their declining numbers.

The Kakapo or the Owl Parrot: It is the world's heaviest parrot, which weighs about 3.5 kilograms. It is one of the rarest birds in the world. It is a red parrot, which is usually found in the highest mountain altitudes of North, South, and Stewart Islands.

The arrival of Maoris and their domestic animals have endangered the Owl Parrot. The introduction of the European Stoat, an efficient predator of these parrots, in the 1880s has added to their difficulties. However, the National Wildlife Center has initiated a program for captive breeding of these birds, and introducing them to the wild.

The Great Spotted Kiwi: It is the largest species of Kiwis. It is mainly found in the forests in extreme north-western South Island. Their numbers are declining due to predation, although their habitat is mostly protected from any human intervention.

In the same way, numbers of the Little Spotted Kiwis are declining, and only about 1,100 of them are alive. It is believed to be the smallest and rarest kiwi. Moreover, many other native birds, amphibians, and reptiles of New Zealand are threatened for their survival.

Therefore, animal laws have been enacted by the government to protect the endangered animals in New Zealand. The government wildlife agencies and other wildlife organizations are working closely to safeguard the interest of these animals.