Bat Specialist Consultancy · New Zealand

Ecological expertise
in the field

Specialists in pekapeka / bat monitoring, advice and training — balancing scientific knowledge with technical skills for outcomes good for people and the environment.

We balance scientific knowledge with technical skills — contributing to infrastructure that's good for people, good for the environment, and future-proof.

With over a decade in the field of bat ecology, we have in-depth experience in acoustic surveying, radio-tracking, and training consultants, community groups, public servants and tangata whenua.

Whether you are looking for support with large infrastructure projects, small community projects, iwi-led application of mauri or looking to advance your bat ecology skills through DOC accredited training, we can help!

Consultancy

We provide ecological support and advice for Ecological Effects Assessments and consenting requirements, along with on-the-ground support for ecological works. We have the knowledge required to get your project moving.

01

Acoustic Monitoring

Acoustic survey planning, collection, data analysis and interpretation of bat activity for presence/absence, tree felling, and impact assessment surveys.

02

Habitat Assessment

Delivery and/or support for risk rating of vegetation for potential bat habitat assessment surveys — accurate, defensible assessments for consenting requirements.

03

Radio-tracking

Delivery, guidance and/or oversight for complete radio-tracking surveys for roost identification, habitat utilisation and population monitoring.

04

Support for Tree Climbers

Ground-based support for arborist / tree climber pre-felling inspections and pre-works habitat de-risking — keeping your crew and bats safe.

Supporting community and iwi conservation

With extensive experience in catching and radio-tracking bats and instructing trainees in bat ecology, we provide expertise and support for public and community conservation projects, working towards positive outcomes in bat habitat research and population conservation.

Significantly discounted rates for non-commercial community, iwi and public conservation projects.

Training

DOC accredited training courses — from 2-day High Risk activities to immersive capture, handling and radio-tracking programmes. Gain confidence, knowledge and autonomy in bat ecology.

01

High-Risk Activities Course

Training in all 'High Risk' activities under the Department of Conservation's Bat Handling Competencies Authorisation scheme:

  • Assessing roost tree use using Acoustic Bat Monitors (Competency 3.1)
  • Vegetation risk assessment for potential bat habitat (Competency 3.3)
  • Background to bat ecology, desktop methods and data management

Suitable for those starting their journey in the bat world and anyone likely to carry out work requiring acoustic bat surveys and/or tree felling.

Note: DOC Bat Competencies 3.1 and 3.3 require 10+ real-world examples to achieve competency.
02

Radio-Tracking Population Monitoring Course

Training in mark/remark radio-tracking surveys for roost identification, habitat use assessment and population monitoring. Work towards DOC Bat Competencies:

  • Use of free standing harp traps (Competency 1.2)
  • Use of roost entrance harp traps (Competency 1.3)
  • Processing of captured bats (Competency 2.1)
  • Banding of captured bats (Competency 2.2)
  • Attaching radio transmitters to bats (Competency 2.4)

A collaboration with the Department of Conservation Geraldine — held once a year, funding long-term population monitoring of the Kakahu and nearby bat populations.

Note: Many competencies require extensive experience and may not be achieved in a single attendance.

Ready to discuss your project?

Contact us to discuss your unique requirements.

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