Mystacina tuberculata

The lesser short-tailed bat (Mystacina tuberculata) – pekapeka-tou-poto in Māori – is the only living species of bat in the family Mystacinidae, and is endemic to New Zealand. One of the most terrestrial of bats, it is notable for foraging more on the forest floor than any other bat species. Its population is declining, a result of forest clearance and introduced predators. New Zealand lesser short-tailed bats are relatively small, being 6 to 7 cm (2.4 to 2.8 in) in head-body length, with a wingspan of 28 to 30 cm (11 to 12 in). Adults weigh 10 to 22 g (0.35 to 0.78 oz) before feeding, although this may increase by as much as 30% after a full night's foraging. One of only two living species of bats in New Zealand, they can be easily distinguished from New Zealand long-tailed bats by the presence of relatively large, pointed ears, prominent nostrils, and by their tails. In the short-tailed bat, the tail is only 12 mm (0.47 in) long, but extends for at least half of that length beyond the edge of the uropatagium, whereas the longer tail of the other species is entirely enclosed within it. The bat has a long, conical snout, with numerous whiskers, and terminating in large, tubular nostrils. The tongue is long and slender, typically 12 mm (0.47 in) in length, and has a number of hair-like structures at the tip, that aid in feeding on nectar. Another unique distinguishing feature of the species is the presence of small talons at the base of the main claws on both its toes and wings, thought to aid in both crawling and climbing. The bat has very thick fur, which varies from dark brown to mousy-grey, and is slightly paler on the underside of the animal. Short-tailed bats are found primarily on the North Island of New Zealand, where they inhabit forests from sea level to the tree line at about 1,100 m (3,600 ft). Within the island, at least 9 distinct populations have been identified, with most being located in the central regions. A few isolated populations are known from South Island, including one at Fiordland. Smaller populations have also been identified on Codfish Island and Little Barrier Island. A colony of around 300 short-tailed bats was also found in the Waiohine Valley of the Tararua Forest Park in the late 1990s. The only known population of short-tailed bats in southern North Island, they may be related to both the volcanic plateau and the southern short-tailed bats. They became isolated during a glacial period in the centre of North Island, and through volcanic activity, more than 90,000 years ago. Pups from this unique and isolated colony, born in captivity, have been transferred to Kapiti Island in an attempt to establish an insurance population in a predator-free environment. Three subspecies have been named on the basis of their morphological features: However, genetic analysis of short-tailed bats from across New Zealand has, instead, identified six potential subspecies, with overlapping ranges. These do not clearly match the three generally recognised taxa shown above. A fourth putative subspecies, M. t. robusta was identified in 1984, but was subsequently confirmed as a distinct species, the New Zealand greater short-tailed bat, now believed to be extinct. Short-tailed bats are omnivorous and opportunistic, feeding on whatever food is available in their environments. They forage in areas of dense forest and deep leaf litter, and may travel considerable distances from roosting to foraging sites each night. Their wings have a low aspect ratio and low wing loading, suggesting high manoeuvrability and moderate flight speed, suitable both for long travel and foraging close to the ground. They have been reported to eat insects, especially beetles, flies, and moths, as well as flowers, fruit, nectar, and pollen.