Invasive species
The New Zealand archipelago is among the most isolated places on earth, which is why these islands are home to so many unique animals and plants. But it is nevertheless inextricably linked to the rest of the planet via travel and trade. In fact, New Zealand is a hotbed for deliberate and accidental animal and plant introductions.
New Zealand’s Polynesian and European settlers each brought with them the animals and plants they were familiar with and later introductions were made to support farming, horticulture and forestry. Such deliberate introductions continue, along with accidental introductions when organisms slip through New Zealand’s biosecurity net.
Some animals, like trout and salmon, numerous species of
