Observations of a cave colony of the long-tailed bat (Chalinolobus tuberculatus) in North Island, New Zealand

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Abstract
The discovery in 1964 of a colony of about 200 long-tailed bats (C. tuberculatus) in Grand Canyon Cave near Piopio, North Island, New Zealand, is reported. The colony sire has remained at 200-300 from 1964 to 1979 despite frequent disturbance by visitors. In New Zealand, bats are rarely found in caves with only 1 entrance and relatively constant seasonal temperatures. C. tuberculatus may prefer well-ventilated caves, such as Grand Canyon, which resemble draughty tunnels with marked seasonal changes in both temperature and relative humidity (hollow trees are the favored roosting site for both C. tuberculatus and Mystacina tuberculata). Examination of museum specimens suggests that C. tuberculatus is monoestrous and monotocous with parturition from Jan. to Feb. Predation by morepork owls and ship rats is discussed and guano analysis indicates a diet of small aerial insects. Grand Canyon Cave should be declared a scenic and scientific reserve.

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