On the ground for Aotearoa’s bats
We’re turning curiosity, collaboration and big ideas into action for pekapeka.
From nationwide surveys to targeted site monitoring, we’re building a clearer picture of where pekapeka live, how they use the landscape and what we can do to protect them. Each project combines acoustic monitoring, expert analysis and community involvement to turn local observations into meaningful evidence. That evidence helps guide land management, identify important habitat and inform practical action for pekapeka across Aotearoa.
Our national programme!
The National Bat Survey
Together, we’re mapping the hidden lives of Aotearoa’s native bats. From local projects to a growing national picture, every recording helps us understand where bats are, what they need and how we can protect them.
Explore the programmeOur local projects
Explore the projects helping us build a clearer picture of pekapeka across Aotearoa. Some offer opportunities for you to actively get involved, whilst others are specialist research projects taking place on the ground that you can follow and learn more about. Together, the insights and data from these projects contribute to the bigger picture, supporting the National Bat Survey and strengthening our understanding of Aotearoa’s native bats.
Hawke’s Bay
Bat detection
on the city’s doorstep.
View project →
Hawke’s Bay
A colony hiding
in plain sight?
View project →
Hawke’s Bay
A forest nobody knew had bats, until now.
View project →
Hawke’s Bay
Discovering a hidden world in an iconic landscape.
View project →
Evidence based
monitoring
Calibrated acoustic detectors and trained classifiers, defensible science-backed data.
Practical
outcomes
Findings support better land management, consenting, and roost protection.
Community powered
Volunteers and landowners contribute local knowledge, access and hands-on support.
Education and awareness
Every project builds public understanding and involves individuals directly in conservation.
Support bat conservation in action
Support from our community helps turn bat conservation into real, measurable action. Donations fund fieldwork, detector deployment, rapid data analysis, and community-led projects that improve understanding of bat populations and the environments they depend on. Every contribution directly supports practical, science-led work on the ground.
Be part of something bigger
Whether you want to get involved, become a sponsor or support our work, explore the links below to find out how you can make a difference.
Follow our journey.
