pekapeka

Pekapeka is the Māori name for bats in New Zealand. In the country, two species are commonly referred to as pekapeka: the short-tailed pekapeka (Mystacina tuberculata) and the long-tailed pekapeka (Chalinolobus tuberculatus). They are among the few native land mammals in New Zealand and are endemic to the region.

Description and habitat: The short-tailed pekapeka is found in native forests across both islands and on some offshore islands. The long-tailed pekapeka occurs in forested areas of both islands, with populations concentrated in suitable woodland. Both species roost in tree hollows, under loose bark, and in caves. The short-tailed pekapeka is notable for foraging on the forest floor, gleaning insects from trunks, leaves, and the ground, while the long-tailed pekapeka forages primarily in flight for insects.

Ecology and diet: Diet is largely insect-based; the short-tailed species also eats fruit and nectar on occasion. They use echolocation to navigate and capture prey, and the short-tailed pekapeka’s ground-foraging behavior is relatively unusual among bats.

Reproduction: Breeding typically yields one pup per year. Females carry and nurse the young for several weeks, depending on season.

Conservation: Both species are threatened by habitat loss and introduced predators, especially rats, stoats, and cats. Conservation measures include predator control, protection of forest habitat, and protection on predator-free offshore islands, as well as research and monitoring.

Cultural notes: Pekapeka is the Māori word for bat. The two species have distinct Māori names and are recognized in Māori traditions, reflecting their place in New Zealand’s biodiversity.