Ben Paris
@nzbatman.bsky.social
#Conservation #scicomm, passionate about #nzbats. Opinions my own. Repost/follows not endorsements. ❤️ #batspotting 🦇 #teampekapeka 🌳 #nzdotterel 🐥 #pestfreeAKL 🐀
Pinned
Ben Paris
@nzbatman.bsky.social
· Jan 5
Study underway to learn if bats can be used as 'agricultural tool'
Researchers are studying whether the critically threatened pekapeka-tou-roa / long-tailed bat can be used as pest control on rural properties.
www.1news.co.nz
🦇 It's not clear how many long-tailed bats are left, but when dusk falls, rural properties near Waiuku, on Auckland's southern border, become a pekapeka-tou-roa hotspot.
Read more at 1News: www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/05/s...
#nzbats #bats #aklbiodiversity #pestfreeakl 🦇
Read more at 1News: www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/05/s...
#nzbats #bats #aklbiodiversity #pestfreeakl 🦇
“We spend a lot of time talking about how dire things are for native species. I’d love for us to talk more about the birds we’ve saved – and that’s happening with ōi right in front of us on the west coast.”
newsroom.co.nz/2026/02/08/p... #aklbiodiversity #pestfreeAKL
newsroom.co.nz/2026/02/08/p... #aklbiodiversity #pestfreeAKL
‘Petrelheads’ are restoring an eccentric native bird
Opinion from Auckland University: More than 150 burrows now exist on the mainland at Te Henga – up from only two in 2014
newsroom.co.nz
February 8, 2026 at 3:20 AM
“We spend a lot of time talking about how dire things are for native species. I’d love for us to talk more about the birds we’ve saved – and that’s happening with ōi right in front of us on the west coast.”
newsroom.co.nz/2026/02/08/p... #aklbiodiversity #pestfreeAKL
newsroom.co.nz/2026/02/08/p... #aklbiodiversity #pestfreeAKL
🚶♂️🌳 Off to the field today to track down pekapeka roosts around Huia Dam! 🦇 Over the past week, the team have trapped two tiny bats, and now it’s time to use a mix of ground & drone radio tracking to learn more about where they’re roosting. 🛰️ This data is key to helping us protect these little bats!
February 2, 2026 at 5:41 AM
🚶♂️🌳 Off to the field today to track down pekapeka roosts around Huia Dam! 🦇 Over the past week, the team have trapped two tiny bats, and now it’s time to use a mix of ground & drone radio tracking to learn more about where they’re roosting. 🛰️ This data is key to helping us protect these little bats!
We welcome you to submit a video up to 2 mins long to showcase your work at this year’s hui! 🎥
If you have a video showcasing your project, research, or a topic relevant to pekapeka conservation, we’d love for you to submit it as part of our Abstracts Expression of Interest.
#pekapeka #bathui 🦇
If you have a video showcasing your project, research, or a topic relevant to pekapeka conservation, we’d love for you to submit it as part of our Abstracts Expression of Interest.
#pekapeka #bathui 🦇
January 31, 2026 at 4:05 AM
Submit your bat-themed photo for the National Pekapeka Hui—20 framed displays, one artist-chosen prize. Enter via email. T&Cs apply… 🦇 📷
👉 Enter by emailing franklinbats@ecoquest.co.nz
✅ Subject: Photo Display
📄 T&Cs: www.pekapeka.org/photo-comp
👉 Enter by emailing franklinbats@ecoquest.co.nz
✅ Subject: Photo Display
📄 T&Cs: www.pekapeka.org/photo-comp
January 24, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Submit your bat-themed photo for the National Pekapeka Hui—20 framed displays, one artist-chosen prize. Enter via email. T&Cs apply… 🦇 📷
👉 Enter by emailing franklinbats@ecoquest.co.nz
✅ Subject: Photo Display
📄 T&Cs: www.pekapeka.org/photo-comp
👉 Enter by emailing franklinbats@ecoquest.co.nz
✅ Subject: Photo Display
📄 T&Cs: www.pekapeka.org/photo-comp
“This work shows what is possible when science, experience and long-term commitment come together. The return of native birds nesting again in the Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui, is a powerful signal these forests are healthier and more resilient.”
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/01...
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/01...
Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges pest control delivers outstanding gains for native wildlife
Big wins for nature; kōkako flourish after pest control success.
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
January 19, 2026 at 11:56 PM
“This work shows what is possible when science, experience and long-term commitment come together. The return of native birds nesting again in the Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui, is a powerful signal these forests are healthier and more resilient.”
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/01...
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/01...
Reposted by Ben Paris
Are you a hellraiser mite or a knobbled weevil? Take the quiz and vote for NZ’s Bug of the Year
theconversation.com/are-you-a-he...
theconversation.com/are-you-a-he...
Are you a hellraiser mite or a knobbled weevil? Take the quiz and vote for NZ’s Bug of the Year
Take the personality quiz to match with one of NZ’s larger-than-life little creatures, then cast your vote.
theconversation.com
January 13, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Are you a hellraiser mite or a knobbled weevil? Take the quiz and vote for NZ’s Bug of the Year
theconversation.com/are-you-a-he...
theconversation.com/are-you-a-he...
We can all be part of the solution! newsroom.co.nz/2026/01/14/i...
Want to be on the right side of biodiversity this summer? It's your choice
New Zealand’s biodiversity is under immense pressure, but we can give native species a boost this summer by making some simple choices.
newsroom.co.nz
January 13, 2026 at 7:31 PM
We can all be part of the solution! newsroom.co.nz/2026/01/14/i...
Reposted by Ben Paris
Flying foxes die in their thousands in worst mass-mortality event since Australia’s black summer
Flying foxes die in their thousands in worst mass-mortality event since Australia’s black summer
Volunteers found thousands of dead bats at Melbourne’s Brimbank park, wildlife expert says
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:31 AM
Flying foxes die in their thousands in worst mass-mortality event since Australia’s black summer
🦇 Call for Abstracts | National Pekapeka Hui 2026
Got insights, stories, or research about pekapeka in Aotearoa? We want to hear from you!
The National Pekapeka Hui 2026 is your chance to share mahi that matters 💡
⏰ Abstract submissions close 27 January 2026
🔗 Submit yours today: pekapeka.org
Got insights, stories, or research about pekapeka in Aotearoa? We want to hear from you!
The National Pekapeka Hui 2026 is your chance to share mahi that matters 💡
⏰ Abstract submissions close 27 January 2026
🔗 Submit yours today: pekapeka.org
January 12, 2026 at 7:53 AM
🦇 Call for Abstracts | National Pekapeka Hui 2026
Got insights, stories, or research about pekapeka in Aotearoa? We want to hear from you!
The National Pekapeka Hui 2026 is your chance to share mahi that matters 💡
⏰ Abstract submissions close 27 January 2026
🔗 Submit yours today: pekapeka.org
Got insights, stories, or research about pekapeka in Aotearoa? We want to hear from you!
The National Pekapeka Hui 2026 is your chance to share mahi that matters 💡
⏰ Abstract submissions close 27 January 2026
🔗 Submit yours today: pekapeka.org
“With a little care and cooperation, Aucklanders can prove summer fun and wildlife protection go hand in hand”
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/su...
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/su...
From city wharves to wild dunes
Birds and beaches – the summer guide to protecting Auckland’s coastal shorebirds.
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
January 12, 2026 at 4:31 AM
“With a little care and cooperation, Aucklanders can prove summer fun and wildlife protection go hand in hand”
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/su...
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/su...
We’re excited to be hosting the National Pekapeka Hui 2026 at Rereteewhioi Marae in Franklin!
📅 When: 25–27 March 2026
🌏 Theme: People • Pekapeka • Place
Got questions in the meantime? Flick us an email us at franklinbats@ecoquest.co.nz
Save the date, we can’t wait to see you in Franklin! 🦇
📅 When: 25–27 March 2026
🌏 Theme: People • Pekapeka • Place
Got questions in the meantime? Flick us an email us at franklinbats@ecoquest.co.nz
Save the date, we can’t wait to see you in Franklin! 🦇
January 6, 2026 at 7:27 AM
We’re excited to be hosting the National Pekapeka Hui 2026 at Rereteewhioi Marae in Franklin!
📅 When: 25–27 March 2026
🌏 Theme: People • Pekapeka • Place
Got questions in the meantime? Flick us an email us at franklinbats@ecoquest.co.nz
Save the date, we can’t wait to see you in Franklin! 🦇
📅 When: 25–27 March 2026
🌏 Theme: People • Pekapeka • Place
Got questions in the meantime? Flick us an email us at franklinbats@ecoquest.co.nz
Save the date, we can’t wait to see you in Franklin! 🦇
This morning I visited Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, a 60-hectare reserve on the northwest edge of Hamilton, opposite Hamilton Zoo. It was special to return to a place where I helped plant some of the very first native plants for this restoration project.
December 27, 2025 at 1:27 AM
This morning I visited Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, a 60-hectare reserve on the northwest edge of Hamilton, opposite Hamilton Zoo. It was special to return to a place where I helped plant some of the very first native plants for this restoration project.
Reposted by Ben Paris
Positive 🦇 story!
#bats #lovebats #conservation #nature #naturalhistory
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
#bats #lovebats #conservation #nature #naturalhistory
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Four species, 160 days, 50,000 images: meet the photographer dedicated to showing the lovable side of flying foxes
Doug Gimesy’s extreme close-ups of ‘sky puppies’ are designed to trigger an emotional response that endears people to the ‘wrongly vilified’ mammals
www.theguardian.com
December 26, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Positive 🦇 story!
#bats #lovebats #conservation #nature #naturalhistory
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
#bats #lovebats #conservation #nature #naturalhistory
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
More hornets expected over summer, public urged to remain vigilant www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/582... #yellowleggedhornets #community #biosecurity #pestfreeAKL 🐝
More hornets expected over summer, public urged to remain vigilant
To date, there have been been reported sightings only in Auckland - with the discovery of queen hornets and nests in the Glenfield and Birkdale areas.
www.rnz.co.nz
December 24, 2025 at 4:38 AM
More hornets expected over summer, public urged to remain vigilant www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/582... #yellowleggedhornets #community #biosecurity #pestfreeAKL 🐝
Today I took the family to Ōtakamiro Point, one of our few mainland gannet (takapu) breeding colonies. The sights, sounds, and smells are incredible!
#muriwai #gannet #takapu #family #schoolholidays #aklbiodiversity
#muriwai #gannet #takapu #family #schoolholidays #aklbiodiversity
December 21, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Today I took the family to Ōtakamiro Point, one of our few mainland gannet (takapu) breeding colonies. The sights, sounds, and smells are incredible!
#muriwai #gannet #takapu #family #schoolholidays #aklbiodiversity
#muriwai #gannet #takapu #family #schoolholidays #aklbiodiversity
The attacks on the birds have prompted mana whenua, conservation organisations, DOC and Auckland Council to urge dog owners to keep their pets under control and well away from the rocky coastline, dunes, and pest-free islands where kororā are found.
www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-r... #pestfeeAKL
www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-r... #pestfeeAKL
Conservationists urge Auckland dog owners to protect penguins
Little penguins/kororā are suffering from ongoing dog attacks and interactions around Auckland’s coastline.
www.doc.govt.nz
December 18, 2025 at 9:33 PM
The attacks on the birds have prompted mana whenua, conservation organisations, DOC and Auckland Council to urge dog owners to keep their pets under control and well away from the rocky coastline, dunes, and pest-free islands where kororā are found.
www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-r... #pestfeeAKL
www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-r... #pestfeeAKL
2025 in review 🦇
Highlights include: Sharing our community-led pekapeka work at the International Bat Research Conference, the launching Manaaki Pekapeka (pekapeka.org) to unite conservation efforts, and mentoring the next generation of conservation champions.
Highlights include: Sharing our community-led pekapeka work at the International Bat Research Conference, the launching Manaaki Pekapeka (pekapeka.org) to unite conservation efforts, and mentoring the next generation of conservation champions.
December 17, 2025 at 10:56 PM
2025 in review 🦇
Highlights include: Sharing our community-led pekapeka work at the International Bat Research Conference, the launching Manaaki Pekapeka (pekapeka.org) to unite conservation efforts, and mentoring the next generation of conservation champions.
Highlights include: Sharing our community-led pekapeka work at the International Bat Research Conference, the launching Manaaki Pekapeka (pekapeka.org) to unite conservation efforts, and mentoring the next generation of conservation champions.
Reposted by Ben Paris
We’re assisting the Ministry of Primary Industries to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet – a major threat to New Zealand’s primary industries.
Please be vigilant and report any sightings!
Find out more: bit.ly/4iT9k63
#Biosecurity #YellowLeggedHornet #BioeconomyScience
Please be vigilant and report any sightings!
Find out more: bit.ly/4iT9k63
#Biosecurity #YellowLeggedHornet #BioeconomyScience
December 10, 2025 at 9:29 PM
We’re assisting the Ministry of Primary Industries to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet – a major threat to New Zealand’s primary industries.
Please be vigilant and report any sightings!
Find out more: bit.ly/4iT9k63
#Biosecurity #YellowLeggedHornet #BioeconomyScience
Please be vigilant and report any sightings!
Find out more: bit.ly/4iT9k63
#Biosecurity #YellowLeggedHornet #BioeconomyScience
As the yellow-legged hornet buffer area increases to 11km to cover more of the North, West and Central areas, MPI have released a new video on what to look out for on where nests can be. Feel free to share this with our community partners youtu.be/jmJbV2QOSoU?... #yellowleggedhornet #biosecurity
Learn where to look for yellow-legged hornet nests
YouTube video by Ministry for Primary Industries
youtu.be
December 11, 2025 at 8:55 PM
As the yellow-legged hornet buffer area increases to 11km to cover more of the North, West and Central areas, MPI have released a new video on what to look out for on where nests can be. Feel free to share this with our community partners youtu.be/jmJbV2QOSoU?... #yellowleggedhornet #biosecurity
“The more we control pests and provide better habitat, the safer bats feel to hang out where they belong.” 🦇
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/12...
#community #conservation #pekapeka #nzbats #auckland
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/12...
#community #conservation #pekapeka #nzbats #auckland
The bats of summer: party animals with wings
Tiny party animals: how bats holiday like humans.
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
December 11, 2025 at 2:29 AM
“The more we control pests and provide better habitat, the safer bats feel to hang out where they belong.” 🦇
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/12...
#community #conservation #pekapeka #nzbats #auckland
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/12...
#community #conservation #pekapeka #nzbats #auckland
Out walking the streets in today’s heat as part of the Ministry for Primary Industries’ response work, door knocking and keeping an eye out for any signs of yellow-legged hornets. Thankfully, our team found none.
December 8, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Out walking the streets in today’s heat as part of the Ministry for Primary Industries’ response work, door knocking and keeping an eye out for any signs of yellow-legged hornets. Thankfully, our team found none.
Reposted by Ben Paris
Had one of those real proud moments at the EcoQuest 25th anniversary celebration today. Watching Sky and Dani share the story of their fish mahi, and hearing Hayley talk so passionately about pekapeka, was something special.
December 6, 2025 at 5:50 AM
Had one of those real proud moments at the EcoQuest 25th anniversary celebration today. Watching Sky and Dani share the story of their fish mahi, and hearing Hayley talk so passionately about pekapeka, was something special.
“This tiny fish may be secretive, but its survival depends on us noticing it, protecting and carefully managing its wetland habitats.”
www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/11/29/n...
#aklbiodiversity
www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/11/29/n...
#aklbiodiversity
Native fish resurfaces after being feared lost from Auckland wetland
A native freshwater fish has been rediscovered after a decade long search, with a healthy population of both adults and juveniles found.
www.teaonews.co.nz
November 30, 2025 at 1:15 AM
“This tiny fish may be secretive, but its survival depends on us noticing it, protecting and carefully managing its wetland habitats.”
www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/11/29/n...
#aklbiodiversity
www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/11/29/n...
#aklbiodiversity
Reposted by Ben Paris
🦇A lot of people think bats try to “get tangled in your hair.”
Nope. These animals fly with precision that would make any fighter pilot jealous. If a bat brushes past you, it chose that line on purpose - and it could’ve flown through a smaller gap if it wanted to.
Nope. These animals fly with precision that would make any fighter pilot jealous. If a bat brushes past you, it chose that line on purpose - and it could’ve flown through a smaller gap if it wanted to.
November 25, 2025 at 8:05 PM
🦇A lot of people think bats try to “get tangled in your hair.”
Nope. These animals fly with precision that would make any fighter pilot jealous. If a bat brushes past you, it chose that line on purpose - and it could’ve flown through a smaller gap if it wanted to.
Nope. These animals fly with precision that would make any fighter pilot jealous. If a bat brushes past you, it chose that line on purpose - and it could’ve flown through a smaller gap if it wanted to.