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.

Conservation status

The following tags are used to highlight each species' conservation status as assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature:
ExtinctNo reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
Extinct in the wildKnown only to survive in captivity or as a naturalized populations well outside its previous range.
Critically endangeredThe species is in imminent risk of extinction in the wild.
EndangeredThe species is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
VulnerableThe species is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Near 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.
Least concernThere are no current identifiable risks to the species.
Data 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 capable of flight. Bat species account for about 20% of all mammals.
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.
Typical carnivorans feed primarily on meat. They have a characteristic skull shape and teeth.