List of mammals of New Zealand

This is a list of the native living mammals of New Zealand.[1] It does not include introduced species, nor extinct Saint Bathans Fauna.

Conservation status

The following tags are used to highlight each species' conservation status as assessed by the IUCN:

EXExtinctNo reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
EWExtinct in the wildKnown only to survive in captivity or as a naturalized populations well outside its previous range.
CRCritically endangeredThe species is in imminent risk of extinction in the wild.
ENEndangeredThe species is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
VUVulnerableThe species is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
NTNear threatenedThe species does not meet any of the criteria that would categorise it as risking extinction but it is likely to do so in the future.
LCLeast concernThere are no current identifiable risks to the species.
DDData deficientThere is inadequate information to make an assessment of the risks to this species.

Order: Chiroptera (bats)

The most distinguishing feature of bats is that their forelimbs are developed as wings, making them the only mammals in the world naturally capable of flight. Bat species account for about 20% of all mammals.

Order: Cetacea (whales, dolphins and porpoises)

Southern right whale
Bryde's whale
Sperm whales made Kaikoura as a world-famous whale-watching region
Pygmy sperm whale
Pantropical spotted dolphin
Dusky dolphins off Kaikoura
A Hector's dolphin near Akaroa

The order Cetacea includes whales, dolphins and porpoises. They are the mammals most fully adapted to aquatic life with a spindle-shaped nearly hairless body, protected by a thick layer of blubber, and forelimbs and tail modified to provide propulsion underwater. New Zealand is the first country in the world to protect marine mammals by law.

Order: Carnivora (carnivorans)

Southern elephant seal

Typical carnivorans feed primarily on meat. They have a characteristic skull shape and teeth.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ This list is derived from the IUCN Red List which lists species of mammals and includes those mammals that have recently been classified as extinct (since 1500 AD). The taxonomy and naming of the individual species is based on those used in existing Wikipedia articles as of 21 May 2007 and supplemented by the common names and taxonomy from the IUCN, Smithsonian Institution, or University of Michigan where no Wikipedia article was available.
  2. ↑ Stuff.co.nz. 2017. Rare striped dolphin stranding on Otago beach. Retrieved on September 26, 2017

References

  • "The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Mammals of New Zealand". IUCN. 2001. Retrieved 22 May 2007.
  • "Mammal Species of the World". Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. 2005. Archived from the original on 27 April 2007. Retrieved 22 May 2007.
  • "Animal Diversity Web". University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. 1995–2006. Retrieved 22 May 2007.
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