New Zealand Lesser Short-tailed Bat - Distribution and Habitat

Distribution and Habitat

Short-tailed bats are found primarily on the North Island of New Zealand, where they inhabit forests from sea level to the tree line at about 1,100 m (3,600 ft). Within the island, at least 9 distinct populations have been identified, with most being located in the central regions. A few isolated populations are known from South Island, including one at Fiordland. Smaller populations have also been identified on Codfish Island and Little Barrier Island.

A colony of around 300 short-tailed bats was also found in the Waiohine Valley of the Tararua Forest Park in the late 1990s. The only known population of short-tailed bats in southern North Island, they may be related to both the volcanic plateau and the southern short-tailed bats. They became isolated during a glacial period in the centre of North Island, and through volcanic activity, more than 90,000 years ago. Pups from this unique and isolated colony, born in captivity, have been transferred to Kapiti Island in an attempt to establish an insurance population in a predator-free environment.