The Bat that Walks on the Ground

Millions of years ago, the continent drift caused New Zealand to become a separate group of islands surrounded by sea.  Animals and birds that were living on these islands were also separated from the rest of the world.  These creatures were found nowhere else in the world. They were native or endemic to New Zealand.  In order to survive, they evolved to suit the environment.  They adapted and changed over time to survive in their habitats.  The lesser short-tailed bat is a descendent of the only land mammal living on land in New Zealand before people arrived here.

Pangea and Continental Drift

Millions of years ago, New Zealand became a separate group of islands


Pekapeka-tou-poto


Descendants of what was once New Zealand's only land mammal  - the lesser short-tailed bat

Meet the Locals: Peka Peka

Helping our native New Zealand Bats