It cannot swim over long distances, so is considered to be a significant marker of the human migrations across the Pacific, as the Polynesians accidentally or deliberately introduced it to the islands they settled.
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This rat also may have played a role in the complete deforestation of Easter Island by eating the nuts of the local palm tree, thus preventing regrowth of the forest.
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The Polynesian rat originated in Southeast Asia, but like its relatives, has become well-traveled – infiltrating Fiji and most Polynesian islands, including New Zealand, Easter Island, and Hawaii.
Serological studies have revealed, but not confirmed, other rodents in Thailand as possible reservoirs, including the black rat (Rattus rattus), Polynesian rat (R. exulans), brown rat (R. norvegicus) and lesser rice-field rat (R. losea).
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The most damage however was caused by habitat destruction and the other animals humans brought with them, particularly rats (the Polynesian rat or kiore introduced by Māori and the Brown Rat and Black Rat subsequently introduced by Europeans), but also mice, dogs, cats, stoats, weasels, pigs, goats, deer, hedgehogs, and Australian possums.