AR4 bat recorders
The DOC electronics team developed the AR4 bat recorder, now widely used in New Zealand to survey for bats.
Information and resources for the AR4 bat recorders are available on the DOC electronics web page.
An app for testing recorders is available from Google Play Store. Look for “DOC – Bat Recorder Tester” from Tussock Innovation Ltd.
National bat database
DOC administers a national database of bat records so we can learn more about bat distribution and how that changes over time.
New Zealand bat distribution map
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- This data should not be published without consulting the Department of Conservation.
Report sightings
Report bat sightings to contribute to this map. Record the location (including a GPS reference), number, time and date you sighted or recorded them. Preferably use the Bat records sample spreadsheet (XLSX, 45K).
Submit your sightings to batdatabase@doc.govt.nz .
Sick or injured bats
For advice on the care of sick or injured bats refer to:
- Initial veterinary care for New Zealand bats manual (PDF, 2,030K)
- Bat care advice for first responders (PDF, 146K).
Bat recovery group documents
The New Zealand Bat Recovery Group has developed the following best practice guidance and advice notes for bat workers.
- Best practice manual of conservation techniques for bats (PDF, 3,787K)
- Protocols for minimising the risk of felling occupied bat roosts (PDF, 2,984K)
- Bat handling competency framework.(PDF, 249K)
- Bat competency trainee logbook (XLXS, 21K)
- Bats and windfarms information sheet (PDF, 379K)
- Guidance for projects involving bat handling, to prevent human-bat transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (PDF, 384K)
- Artificial bat roosts advice note (PDF, 728K)
- Planting to provide roosts for bats in the long-term advice note (PDF, 369K)
- Reduce the impact of artificial light on pekapeka advice note (PDF, 1,037K)
- Surveying for bats – guidance for community groups (PDF, 716K)
- Bat monitoring guidelines using automatic bat detectors (PDF, 414)