Disease foils Kapiti Island rare bat project

Twelve rare native short-tailed bats have been moved from Kapiti Island to Auckland Zoo after a mystery illness prevented them from settling on the island.

The bats, aged between two and three, were part of the most ambitious conservation project undertaken anywhere in the world involving the relocation of native bats.

The Conservation Department moved pregnant females from Waiohine Valley, in Tararua Forest Park, to the Pukaha Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre till they gave birth and weaned their pups.

The pups were transferred to Kapiti Island but they developed a mysterious disease which caused their ears to decay, affecting their vital echo-locating abilities.

The disease caused large ear lesions, which required surgery.

Though the bats survived, the loss of their sonar system for navigating and catching prey meant they could not fend for themselves on Kapiti Island.

The department's conservation analyst, Colin Miskelly, said it was disappointing the population did not establish on the island.

However, having them at the zoo would provide a unique opportunity for staff and the department to develop skills in captive husbandry and discover the causes of the disease.

Fauna team leader Andrew Nelson said housing native bats was a first for the zoo.

"We are absolutely over the moon at being given the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of this amazing land mammal, and help increase awareness of its plight."

- © Fairfax NZ News