DOC Bat Observations Map
The Bat Observations Map, maintained by the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC), displays bat records from across the country. It aggregates sightings from DOC surveys, regional councils, contractors, researchers, and private individuals. The map is updated periodically as new observations are reported. Our results from the National Bat Survey will be provided to DOC and form part of this broader view of bat activity across New Zealand.
The map shows locations where bats have been detected, typically as points or symbols, often distinguishing between long-tailed and short-tailed bats. These points indicate presence at a location, rather than abundance or population size.
(For mobile view, enter your data parameters and simply swipe up to navigate to the interactive map.)
An important note from DOC:
The map represents the present and historic bat data that DOC holds. It is regularly updated so check back for latest data.
Note the caveats associated with the map distribution data:
The data is related to distribution of bats. It does not relate to numbers/abundance of bats.
These are all the bat records that DOC has including surveys done by regional councils, contractors and private individuals - there may be other bat records that exist but DOC may not have access to them.
If there are no dots on the map in some places it does not mean there are no bats, it may just mean that a survey has not been done.
A negative bat result does not necessarily mean there are no bats. Surveys have to be assessed for adequacy to confirm absence.
This data should not be published without consulting the Department of Conservation.
For further information, please visit DOC’s Resources for bat workers page.