New Zealand lesser short-tailed bat

The lesser short-tailed bat, known as pekapeka-tou-poto in Māori, is a unique species endemic to New Zealand. It is the only extant member of the Mystacinidae family and is notable for its unusual behavior of foraging on the forest floor. Unfortunately, its population is dwindling due to habitat loss and introduced predators.

These small bats measure about 6 to 7 centimeters in body length, with a wingspan ranging from 28 to 30 centimeters. They possess distinctive features such as pointed ears, prominent nostrils, and a short tail that extends beyond the wing membrane. Additionally, they have a unique conical snout adorned with whiskers and a long tongue ideal for drinking nectar. Their fur is typically dark brown or mousy-grey, and they have small talons on their toes and wings, which aid in crawling and climbing.

The lesser short-tailed bat is primarily found on New Zealand's North Island, where various populations inhabit different regions. They are omnivores, feeding on insects, flowers, fruits, nectar, and pollen. As nocturnal creatures, they spend their days roosting in hollow trees and emerge at night to forage, utilizing scent, passive hearing, and echolocation for navigation and hunting.

Regarding reproduction, these bats employ a mating system known as lek breeding. Males attract females with ultrasonic calls and mark their mating sites with scent glands. Following a period of delayed implantation, a single pup is born in the summer and matures rapidly.

Currently, the lesser short-tailed bat is classified as "Nationally Vulnerable" or "At Risk" in New Zealand due to threats to their population. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem, serving as the sole host for the New Zealand batfly in a symbiotic relationship. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect and preserve this extraordinary bat species.