New Zealand long-tailed bat
New Zealand long-tailed bat | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | |
Phylum: | |
Class: | |
Order: | |
Family: | |
Genus: | |
Species: | C. tuberculatus
|
Binomial name | |
Chalinolobus tuberculatus (Forster, 1844)
|
The New Zealand long-tailed bat (Chalinolobus tuberculatus), also known as the long-tailed wattled bat or pekapeka-tou-roa (Māori), is one of 15 species of bats in the genus Chalinolobus variously known as "pied bats", "wattled bats" or "long-tailed bats". It is one of the two surviving bat species endemic to New Zealand, but is closely related to five other wattled or lobe-lipped bats in Australia and elsewhere.
Description
The long-tailed bat is a small brown bat (weighing 8–12 g) with a long tail connected by a patygium to its hind legs: this feature distinguishes it from New Zealand's other bat species, the short-tailed bat. The bat's echolocation calls include a relatively low frequency component which can be heard by some people. It can fly at 60 kilometres per hour, and has a very large home range (100 km²). Life expectancy for this species is unknown, though it exceeds nine years.[1] It is the main host of the New Zealand bat flea.
Diet
Long-tailed bats hunt by hawking, or capturing and consuming aerial insects while flying.[2] Flies are their most significant food source, with moths and beetles also important.[3] The bat is an insect generalist, consuming insects that are abundant in the landscape.[3]
Roosting
New Zealand long-tailed bats are selective when choosing roost trees. Preferred roosts are located at low altitude at the bottoms of valleys, less than 500 metres (0.31 mi) from the woodland edge.[4] The bats prefer tall roosts of large diameter located in areas of lower tree density, particularly live red beech trees or snags.[4] Three-quarters of roost trees identified in the South Island were at least one hundred years old.[4] The bats roost in small cavities within the trees that have high temperatures and humidity.[5]
Reproduction
Males and females are capable of successful reproduction after their first year, and most females first give birth at age two or three.[1] Mating is thought to occur in February and March, shortly before hibernation, based on the proportion of males with swollen epididymides at this time.[1] Females give birth to a single pup during the New Zealand summer (December and January) and provide sole care for their young, gathering with other females in maternity roosts of up to 120 individuals; small numbers of adult males and non-reproductive females are present in the roosts as well.[1] These subcolonies move to new trees almost every day, breaking apart into smaller groups or reforming into larger ones. In some areas limestone caves are also used, but mainly as a night roost between feeding bouts. Pups fledge about 40 days after birth.[1] Pups are likely weaned within ten days of fledging.[1]
Conservation
The species first gained legal protection under the New Zealand Wildlife Act 1953.[6] For management and conservation purposes, the long-tailed bat of New Zealand is divided into two populations: the North Island and the South Island. The South Island population is recognised in New Zealand as "Nationally Critical" due to a rapid population decline, while the North Island population is classed as "Nationally Vulnerable" due to a moderate population decline.[7] The bats' preference for large, old roost trees makes them at risk from habitat destruction through logging.[8] They may also be at risk from windfarms, unless successfully relocated.[9]
References
- ^ a b c d e f O'Donnell, C. F. (2002). "Timing of breeding, productivity and survival of long-tailed bats Chalinolobus tuberculatus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in cold-temperate rainforest in New Zealand". Journal of Zoology, 257(03), 311–323.
- ^ Rockell, G., Littlemore, J., & Scrimgeour, J. (2017). Habitat preferences of long-tailed bats Chalinolobus tuberculatus along forested riparian corridors in the Pikiariki Ecological Area, Pureora Forest Park. DOC Research and Development Series 349.
- ^ a b Gurau, A.L. (2014). The diet of the New Zealand long-tailed bat, Chalinolobus tuberculatus. Masters in Zoology thesis, Massey University.
- ^ a b c Sedgeley, J. A., & O'Donnell, C. F. (1999). Roost selection by the long-tailed bat, Chalinolobus tuberculatus, in temperate New Zealand rainforest and its implications for the conservation of bats in managed forests. Biological Conservation 88(2), 261–276.
- ^ Sedgeley, J. A. (2001). Quality of cavity microclimate as a factor influencing selection of maternity roosts by a tree‐dwelling bat, Chalinolobus tuberculatus, in New Zealand. Journal of Applied Ecology, 38(2), 425–438.
- ^ O’Donnell, C. F. (2000). Conservation status and causes of decline of the threatened New Zealand long‐tailed bat Chalinolobus tuberculatus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). Mammal Review, 30(2), 89–106.
- ^ O'Donnell, C.F.J; Christie, J.E.; Lloyd, B.; Parsons, S.; Hitchmough, R.A. (2012). "Conservation Status of New Zealand Bats" (PDF). New Zealand Department of Conservation. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
- ^ Sedgeley, J. A. (2003). Roost site selection and roosting behaviour in lesser short‐tailed bats (Mystacina tuberculata) in comparison with long‐tailed bats (Chalinolobus tuberculatus) in Nothofagus forest, Fiordland. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 30(3), 227–241.
- ^ "Final Report and Decision of the Board of Inquiry into the Hauāuru mā Raki Wind Farm and Infrastructure Connection to Grid" (PDF). Ministry for the Environment. May 2011.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=
(help)
External links
- NZ Department of Conservation Bat Site
- DOC 1995 Threatened Species Recovery Plan (distribution map on page 4)
- Long-tailed bats discussed on RNZ Critter of the Week, 17 November 2017