Some species endemic to New Zealand are causing problems in other countries, similar to the way introduced species in New Zealand cause problems for agriculture and indigenous biodiversity.
Animals
edit- The New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) is an invasive species in many countries and has been present in Europe since 1859.[1]
- The New Zealand flatworm (Arthurdendyus triangulatus) is an invasive species in Europe where it preys on earthworms and degrades soil quality.
- Weka (Gallirallus australis) were introduced to several islands south of New Zealand,[2] including Macquarie Island in the 1870s,[3] where the weka was utilized as a food source.[3][2][4] However, despite their survivability against other predators to islands it is not native to,[3] the weka became a pest by outcompeting prey against native birds,[3] and is claimed to have contributed to the extinction of the Macquarie parakeet and a native species of land rail.[3][4] The weka population in Macquarie Island declined in the 1980s and was fully eradicated in 1988.[4]
Plants
edit- Taupata (Coprosma repens), also known as mirror bush, looking-glass bush, New Zealand laurel or shiny leaf, is a weed in Australia, Norfolk Island, South Africa and the U.S. (California and Hawaii).[5]
- Pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa), sometimes called the New Zealand Christmas tree, is an invasive species in South Africa.[6]
- The biddy biddy (Acaena novae-zelandiae) is declared a noxious weed in the American states of Hawaii, California and Oregon.[7] It is also a problem plant in Northumberland.[8]
- New Zealand flax or harakeke (Phormium tenax) is an invasive species in St Helena, some Pacific islands and in Australia.[9]
- Pohuehue (Muehlenbeckia complexa), also called wire vine, mattress vine and several other common names, is naturalised in Western Australia.[10] Although it is a valued garden plant, it can become a pest in suitable climates (e.g. San Francisco's Golden Gate National Recreation Area)[11] if not contained.
- Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) were planted in Hawaii during the early 20th century and have infested several islands.[12]
- Ngaio (Myoporum laetum) forms dense thickets in coastal areas of Southern California and Mexico and is therefore a serious weed.[12]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Čejka T.; Dvořák L.; Košel V. (2008). "Present distribution of Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Gray, 1843) (Mollusca: Gastropoda) in the Slovak Republic" (PDF). Malacologica Bohemoslovaca. 7: 21–25. Retrieved 25 February 2008.
- ^ a b "Weka (Gallirallus australis) Recovery Plan 1999 - 2009" (PDF). Threatened Species Recovery Plan 29. NZ Department of Conservation.
- ^ a b c d e "Weka". Te Ara Encyclopedia.
- ^ a b c "Macquarie Island World Heritage Area". Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania.
- ^ "Coprosma repens". New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Retrieved 2013-12-31.
- ^ "Metrosideros excelsa". South African National Biodiversity Institute. 25 June 2012. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
- ^ "PLANTS Profile for Acaena novae-zelandiae (biddy-biddy)". USDA. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
- ^ Pirri Pirri — A prickly problem
- ^ "Phormium tenax (PIER species info)". Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER). 9 January 2011. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
- ^ "Muehlenbeckia complexa". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
- ^ "NRPI - Mattress Wire Weed Control in Golden Gate National Recreational Area (0509)".
- ^ a b "Our Native Plant Invaders". Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. Retrieved 14 April 2013.