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List of mammals of New Zealand

This is a list of the native living mammals of New Zealand. It does not include introduced species, nor extinct Saint Bathans fauna. There are around 51 native mammal species in New Zealand, of which three are critically endangered, three are endangered, three are vulnerable, and one is near threatened.

The following tags are used to highlight each species' conservation status as assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature:

Order: Chiroptera (bats)

The most distinguishing feature of bats is that their forelimbs are developed as wings, making them the only mammals capable of flight. Bat species account for about 20% of all mammals. Three species are found in New Zealand, of which one is extinct.

Order: Cetacea (whales, dolphins and porpoises)

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. Around 39 species of cetaceans have been recorded in New Zealand.

Order: Carnivora (carnivorans)

Most carnivorans feed primarily on meat. They have distinctive skull shape and teeth. Eight species are found in New Zealand, all of which are pinnipeds.

See also

Notes

References