New Zealand's native long-tailed bat, pekapeka-tou-roa, is going strong in Franklin, south of Auckland. But these tiny mammals are threatened by introduced predators, especially cats. Producer Liz Garton goes on a bat hunt and learns about locals' efforts to keep their pekapeka neighbours safe.

A recent survey of the long-tailed bat population in Franklin, south of Auckland, showed there were many more pekapeka than expected.

Join producer Liz Garton as she heads out on a bat hunt, with the batman Ben Paris and some keen locals.

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More than half the survey sites in Franklin detected the presence of bats, but these mysterious mammals are not easy to find or spot.

Pekapeka-tou-roa, or the native long-tailed bat, are a threatened species and they seem to be a tasty treat for all Aotearoa's introduced pests.

And a recent DOC study identified cats as some of the worst offenders.

There is currently no national legislation for managing cats in Aotearoa, but many conservation and animal welfare groups are keen to see a move towards this.

At an individual level, SPCA science advisor Christine Sumner says keeping your cat home is the solution to keeping native species safe.

The SPCA have lots of suggestions for keeping your cat happy and still being a responsible cat owner.

In Franklin's Patumahoe, a concerted effort to reduce pest numbers using an award-winning trap has not only improved native bird numbers in the area, but also seems to have had a positive impact on bat numbers.

To learn more:

Find out more about Tāmaki Makaurau's bat population at Auckland Council.

This study looks at what is predating on pekapeka.

Get tips on keeping your cat happy at home from the SPCA.

Read about Andrew's smart trap on Predator Free Franklin.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details