Media release
18 March 2013

Calling all bat fans in West Auckland

West Auckland families are invited to come along and learn more about the city’s mysterious long tailed bat this weekend at Auckland’s very first Bat Fun Day!

Waitakere Ranges Local Board and Auckland Council are holding the event from 10am on Saturday 23 March at Swanson Reserve to help raise awareness and understanding of New Zealand’s only native land mammal.

Local families are invited to come along and join in the fun. There will be loads of bat themed activities for children such as face painting, storytelling and kite making.

Waitakere Ranges Local Board Chair, Denise Yates, says it is important that people understand the long-tailed bat and how it is threatened by habitat destruction and introduced pests.

“Community events such as this are a great way to educate people about bats and overcome some of the stereotypes. Most people don’t realise they are shy and endangered creatures that need our help to survive and thrive in their native habitat,” she says.

“We hope that the children and their parents will go away feeling inspired to help protect their local bat population and will encourage others to keep a look out for our long-tailed friends in gardens and parks around the local area.”

Please report any sightings to council’s biodiversity team on 09 3010101.

Ends

© Scoop Media

Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

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