IIRC, the Polynesians distributed pigs across the Pacific Ocean. Couldn't the Maori, or an earlier equivalent, bring pigs to New Zealand and revolve around them?
Like the Eastern Islanders the Maori did not have a complete roster of typically associated Polynesian animals, if the pig did arrive I imagine quite quickly many would flee and do even greater damage than rats.
They are omnivores and eat eggs and nearly anything they can catch be it birds or even small children if given the opportunity.
Anyone else think that with an earlier settlement time more native New Zealand plants and animals could be domesticated (I have no hopes for any moa species but maybe others?)
Perhaps a small canoe of Kanaks from New Caledonia wash on shore with no animals (including egg eating rats) and few weapons?
Also according to what I have read the small maori dog being the only domesticated mammal brought was once utilized as food very commonly, maybe less perceived tasty animals were being killed to feed them leading to the extinction of many lesser flightless animals?
Well, pigs were introduced eventually. The kunekune pig came from Asia and was adopted by the Maori in the 19th Century (although brought over thanks to Europeans), and Europeans brought their own pigs with them that turned feral (and did indeed cause a lot of environmental havoc, but they didn't destroy everything).
The kakapo could have been a half-decent chicken substitute. I wonder if the kiwi could have been domesticated. Of course, the only native mammal to New Zealand is the short-tailed bat (excluding sea mammals), so it's not like we have llamas or camels.
Imagine if the pig were brought and released with the maori though? Every flightless bird would be dead save for penguins haha
They'd surely do damage to virgin land especially when you read how quickly Maori incorporated traded pigs and potatoes throughout the island, they'd expand quickly.
Takes waaaayy too long to reach breeding age and small clutches. I mean they can live a century, far to long to breed a chicken like life span and egg production.
True - and in fact, I doubt even penguins would be saved, although they survived dogs, cats, rats, etc.
That's true. Well, New Zealand does have a number of native waterfowl, such as numerous species of teal, and the whio. I wonder if, through some kind of accidental contact with Asian travelers, the Maori could adopt duck domestication.
Anyone else think that with an earlier settlement time more native New Zealand plants and animals could be domesticated (I have no hopes for any moa species but maybe others?)
Also according to what I have read the small maori dog being the only domesticated mammal brought was once utilized as food very commonly, maybe less perceived tasty animals were being killed to feed them leading to the extinction of many lesser flightless animals?