Mammal

New Zealand Lesser Short-tailed Bat

Mystacina tuberculata

Also known as Lesser Short-tailed Bat, New Zealand Short-tailed Bat, Pekapeka-tou-poto, Pekapeka

Lesser short-tailed bats spend substantial time scampering across the forest floor, using folded wings as front limbs to hunt insects beneath leaf litter. Males gather at tradition-bound singing roosts each night, taking turns broadcasting high-pitched songs to attract prospective mates. Roosting in hollow old-growth trees, large colonies play a vital role in pollinating native forest plants like the underground wood rose.

TerrestrialEndemicNocturnal

—observations

—countries

—peak records

VulnerableConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyBeetles, Moths, Flower nectar

Predators

Ship rat
Stoat
Morepork

ThreatsIntroduced mammalian predators (ship rats, stoats, cats) and deforestation

HabitatsOld-growth temperate rainforests, podocarp and beech forests

Life spanUp to 30 years

Classification

FamilyMystacinidae
SpeciesMystacina tuberculata

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Capable of a defensive bite if handled; observe quietly without disturbing roosts.
What to notice: Recognizable by agile ground crawling using folded wings and a short tail protruding from the wing membrane.
Support conservation: Avoid approaching roost sites or disturbing old-growth tree hollows, and observe quietly from a distance.

Responsible observation

Roost Awareness: Avoid shining bright flashlights into hollow old-growth forest trees where colonies sleep.
Evening Watching: Position yourself near forest clearings at dusk to watch them forage low over leaf litter.
Biosecurity Support: Follow strictly designated mainland island entry rules to prevent pest introductions.

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