Origin, Dispersal Routes, and Geographic Distribution of Rattus exulans, with Special Reference to New Zealand

Abstract

Current anthropological theory and archaeological evidence have led to a reappraisal of the hypothesized route of dispersal of the Polynesian rat, Rattus exulans, through the Pacific and to New Zealand. This commensal rodent seems to have entered the Fiji-Tonga-Samoa region by way of Melanesia, in association with the people of the Lapita cultural complex. The hypothesized migrations of those people and hence presumably of R. exulans throughout Near and Remote Oceania are presented here, along with a brief review of this rat's history and current distribution in New Zealand, the last settled and southernmost landmass in its range.