Great Island ecosystem devastated by introduced goats

In 1889, four goats were introduced to Great Island (Manawatāwhi), part of the Three Kings Islands northwest of New Zealand, to serve as a potential meat source for shipwrecked survivors. Without natural predators and with abundant food, the goat population grew to several hundred by the early 20th century.

The introduction caused severe ecological damage. The goats heavily grazed on native vegetation, particularly broadleaf plants, which led to the destruction of habitats for small mammals and seabirds. Naturalist E. G. Turbott reported that nearly one-third of the island's native forest bird species were lost due to these changes.

By the time the goats were culled in 1946, 393 animals had been removed. The New Zealand Department of Conservation and botanical records indicate that the grazing caused several plant species to decline significantly or face extinction, with some species noted by botanist Thomas Cheeseman in the late 19th century never to be seen again.