Story: Extinctions

Greater short-tailed bat

Greater short-tailed bat

This is the only known photograph of the greater short-tailed bat, taken at Puwai Bay, Big South Cape Island (off Stewart Island), in July 1965. Concerned about rats attacking the native birds, staff from the Wildlife Service transferred rare bird species to two rat-free islands nearby. Sadly, no attempt was made to transfer the greater short-tailed bat, which became extinct soon afterwards.

Using this item

Department of Conservation
Reference: 10045551
Photograph by Don Merton

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How to cite this page:

Richard Holdaway, 'Extinctions - Smaller birds, reptiles, frogs, fish, plants', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/13670/greater-short-tailed-bat (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Richard Holdaway, published 24 Sep 2007