On the back of detections of the central lesser short-tailed bat (Mystacina tuberculata rhyacobia) within the Orongorongo range east of Wellington and potential detections within the Kaitoke Regional Park, Tou-Roa Ecology and Effects Management Ecology applied for a grant through Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo to carry out a survey within the wider Kaitoke Regional Park and the Akatarawa Valley.
A Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) survey was undertaken to assess the potential presence of both the central lesser short-tailed bat and the long-tailed bat (Chalinolobus tuberculatus) within the Kaitoke Regional Park, along the Akatarawa Valley, and on the westernmost border of the Rimutaka ranges.
Wildlife Acoustics Minibat 2 ultrasonic recorders were deployed in habitat deemed likely to be used by bats with the aim of maximising probability of detection of bats if present. Recorders were deployed for a minimum of 48 nights – between Novemberand January – to enable capture of seasonality in bat mobility and activity if detected.
Additionally, two Wellington Zoo staff members received instruction in New Zealand bat ecology and the use of acoustic recorders for carrying out bat surveys.
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