As urban development expands across the Waitākere foothills, Aotearoa’s only native land mammal, the pekapeka (long-tailed bat), faces growing threats. Local conservation group, Predator Free Waitākere/Swanson, is calling on residents and developers to help protect this Nationally Critical species.
“Large-scale land clearing has removed mature trees with hollows, which are essential roosting sites for these bats,” says Predator Free Waitākere/Swanson’s spokesperson, Fiona Sayer.
“And even where patches of greenery remain, habitat fragmentation makes it harder for bats to find shelter and safe flight paths. Artificial lighting from new residential areas also disrupts their nocturnal feeding habits. Plus, the loss of wetlands, grasslands and native bush means fewer insects, reducing their food supply.”
But it’s not just habitat destruction threatening pekapeka, says Fiona.
“Predators like cats, rats and stoats thrive in developed areas. And cats especially, both domestic and feral, are notorious for killing bats for food. We know of one cat in Ohakune, back in 2010, for example, that killed 107 pekapeka in just one week.
“The good news is, we can all do something to help. Simple actions like protecting mature trees, and controlling and trapping predators will go a long way in giving our bats a fighting chance.
“Keeping your cat inside at night can make a huge difference, as bats are nocturnal and come out to feed at night.”
Predator Free Waitākere/Swanson is working to make the area safer for native wildlife by increasing awareness of pekapeka in the community and supporting predator control initiatives such as trapping and baiting.
“We’re working towards a predator-free Waitākere by 2050, but we need more people on board, as everyone can make a difference no matter how small,” says Fiona.
“By acting now, we can help ensure that these vital creatures remain part of the landscape for future generations.”
How you can help pekapeka?
- Avoid cutting down mature trees as they’re ideal roosting spots for pekapeka.
- Join a local trapping group to help control pests like rats, stoats, wild cats and possums.
- Keep your cat indoors at night as they love to hunt bats (30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after sunrise).
- Learn about bats and spread the word. Many people don’t even realise pekapeka are present in Swanson and the Waitākere Ranges.
- Reduce light pollution. Switch off unnecessary outdoor lighting to keep the sky as dark as possible at night.
Get involved
Visit predatorfreewaitakere.org or connect with the Facebook Group to join the conservation efforts. Or connect with groups in the Waitākere Ranges at pfwra.org.nz/find-your-people.