Brynderwyns could be home to bats

 

Bats are New Zealand’s only native land mammals and there are just three species, one of which is thought to be extinct. The Friends of the Brynderwyns Society is keen to know whether any bats are living in the range.

“We’re familiar with many common native birds and other animals living in the bush but we have little awareness of these nocturnal creatures, says society chair Martina Tschirky. “To this end we have invited a guest speaker to our AGM who will be able to give us facts about bats, where they live, their habits and threats to their survival.”

Speaker Julia Brady is a biodiversity ranger in DOC’s Whangarei office. She has worked with bats and is currently part of an initiative to support a survey for bat distribution in Northland. Compression recorders are used to pick up both long and short-tailed bats and she suggests long-tailed bats, which are classed as ‘nationally critical’, are more likely to be in the Brynderwyns.

“Please join us in learning about this mammal – smaller than a mouse, able to fit into the palm of your hand and to fly noiselessly at night at up to 60km per hour, catching its food on the wing,” says Ms Tschirky. “It’s a high priority for conservation and hopefully is part of our Brynderwyns biodiversity.”

„ All are welcome to attend the Friends of the Brynderwyns Society AGM, Domain Hall, Moir St, Mangawhai, 2.30pm, August 25. 

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