Animals in Niue

Niue is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean and it is in free association with New Zealand. It is a rather interesting fact that there were never any animals when the first Europeans arrived, except rats (called Kuma). Of course, here we have to think of the characteristic rat of Polynesia and not on our common Norway rat.

There is also a huge variety of native birds. The most common birds are Moa. They have been on the island from ancient times. In addition, we could mention Veka, which is a bird in danger of extinction. Kalo is species of Porphyrio, very similar to Rallus Pectoralis from New Zeeland. This bird has an important role in many Maui myths. Lupe is a large type of pigeon. Kukuluku is dove with a very nice sound that is all the time heard in the woodlands. This bird is very colorful. Henga is very small type of parroquet. Moho is a bird with loud note and it is 5 or 6 inch high. Peka is not a bird actually but a type of bat. In fact, this flying fox is a great admirer of fresh fruit. Pekapeka is small bird and it is a great fly exterminator. Heahea is a species corresponding to our domestic sparrow and it is a very small birdie. Taketake is a type of seagull, which is wonderfully white, and it is about 8 to 10 inches high.

Today, of course, because of influence of newcomers on this island, the situation is changed and now it is possible to find dogs, pigs and other non-native animals.

The mentioned native animals live in two basic habitats. These habitats on the Niue Island would be the coastal zone and the inland area. To coastal zone belongs to coastal fern lands, the coastal forest and salt spray zone. The inland area covers the high rain forest, fern lands and regenerating forests.