Page "Black rat" Paragraph 24

After Rattus rattus was introduced into the northern islands of New Zealand they feed on the seedlings adversely affecting the ecology of the isands.

Even after eradication of R. rattus the negative effects may take decades to reverse.

When consuming these seabirds and seabird eggs, these rats reduce the pH of the soil.

This harms plant species by reducing nutrient availability in soil, thus decreasing the probability of seed germination.

For example, research conducted by Hoffman et al.

indicates a large impact on sixteen indigenous plant species directly preyed on by R. rattus.

These plants displayed a negative correlation in germination and growth in the presence of black rats.