Checking for long-tailed bats in dangerous trees pays off for Department of Conservation

A tiny, critically endangered long-tailed bat. Photo / James Mortimer

Checking for bats before starting the chainsaws was all part of a day's work for Department of Conservation rangers felling dangerous trees at Clements Mill Rd in the Kaimanawa recently.

When rangers reported the large beech trees were at risk of falling around a campsite, senior biodiversity ranger Sarah Tunnicliffe advised they may be roost sites for a threatened bat species.

"Both long-tailed and short-tailed pekapeka (bats) are found in the area and like to roost in big old-growth trees like those coming down. We just couldn't risk dropping a tree while they were in it."

Chainsaw guru ranger Ray Packer reviews a job well done. Photo / DoC

The popular camping area was cordoned off with signs to keep people safe.

Recorders confirmed bats were active in close proximity. The bats were identified as pekapeka tou-roa (long-tailed bats), which are classified as threatened-nationally critical.

"We had an early morning at the trees monitoring to see if the bats were coming back after a night of foraging to roost there."

They were not found to be roosting in the trees on the day the felling was scheduled to take place.

"In the end we were able to remove the trees without potentially harming any bats, but it's a great reminder for people to be vigilant for bats when they're planning to cut down trees."

The trees were found to be rotten inside. Photo / DoC

Long-tailed bats aren't just limited to forest areas and have been found in urban areas, including Hamilton.

DoC would love to hear reports of bats to help improve understanding of where populations are. Contact your local office, in Taupō – taupo@doc.govt.nz, or Tūrangi – turangi@doc.govt.nz.