Pekapeka & Pudding: Evening of Bat Conservation

Experience life as a bat ranger by joining DOC staff in the Eglinton Valley for an evening of pekapeka information and pudding before heading into the bush to watch the bats emerge from their tree roost under the cover of darkness. You will get to learn from bat experts about these majestic creatures, Aotearoa's only native land-based mammals, and take an active role in their monitoring.

Please note that this event requires night-time bush walking fitness with a possible river crossing. Any children must be at least 10 years old with previous bush-walking experience. Own transport to Knobs Flat is required but we support cap-pooling with other participants. The event runs from 7.30pm to after mid-night. There is no cost to the event but a donation towards the running of Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is appreciated!

Confirmation will be sent via email with preference given to first-time attendees.

Did you know Aotearoa has two species of bats? The Eglinton Valley, on the way to Piopiotahi/Milford Sound, is home to both the long and short-tailed bats. Both species are about the size of a small mouse and very vulnerable to predation by rats, stoats and cats (a third bat species went extinct due to predation). The good news is that bat monitoring is showing ongoing predator control in the Eglinton Valley is allowing these populations to steadily increase, along with other wildlife such as the kākā that we often hear squawking away in the forest during the evening.

You can learn more about the Eglinton Valley Bat Monitoring Programme here https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/eglinton-valley-lesser-short-tailed-bat-monitoring-programme.

This event forms part of our Fiordland Summer Events Programme.