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Ben Paris

@nzbatman.bsky.social
1.1K followers 636 following 514 posts

#Conservation #scicomm, passionate about #nzbats. Opinions my own. Repost/follows not endorsements. ❤️ #batspotting 🦇 #teampekapeka 🌳 #nzdotterel 🐥 #pestfreeAKL 🐀

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Reposted by Ben Paris
CuriousCat @felissapien.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
The work we did with kākāpō is now not possible because the govt has said that our funding should go to science that makes money. Members of our current govt have said that if an endangered species is in the way of a mine or a new road then it’s goodbye #nzpol peterkdearden.substack.com/p/on-kakapo
peterkdearden.substack.com
on Kākāpō
and extinction
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
"Affectionately known as the ‘‘Bat Lady’’, Mrs Gower set up a long-term pekapeka-tou-roa/long-tailed bat survey programme in the Catlins alongside popular bat walks." 🦇 www.odt.co.nz/southland/vo...
odt.co.nz
Volunteer’s efforts acknowledged
Catriona Gower understands how important it is for everyone to develop a love for New Zealand’s unique wildlife. That conviction led to her...
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
"Auckland’s urban forest strategy is targeting 30 percent canopy – it’s currently 18 percent and unevenly distributed around the city’s suburbs ... the leafy suburbs are aptly named. The city’s less privileged suburbs have far fewer trees." 🌳 newsroom.co.nz/2026/06/29/n...
newsroom.co.nz
NZ cities can't see the forest or the trees
Research shows that greener suburbs are healthier on all kinds of metrics – but achieving them isn’t as straightforward as digging holes and planting seedlings,
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Reposted by Ben Paris
Bat Conservation Trust @batconservation.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
🦇 Bat rehabilitators that are part of the UK Bat Network say that cat attacks are one of the most common causes of bat casualties of the bats that come into their care. Here is a thread with some more information about how you can help bats and other wildlife around you if you have a cat.
A ginger cat looking at a dead bat
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
🦇🐾 Hawke the bat dog hits the small screen! Catch Hawke on TVNZ+'s *Dog Squad* as he helps the Finding Franklin Bats project track down Aotearoa's elusive pekapeka. Catch Season 15, Episode 2 at 14:50 minutes: www.tvnz.co.nz/tvseries/dog...
tvnz.co.nz
Dog Squad
Man's best friend keeps would-be trouble makers on a short leash in Dog Squad.
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Back to the Pekapeka Hui HQ for a second day of connections and learning… ecocentricity.substack.com/p/gone-batty 🦇
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
“It’s a true community and council collaboration, connecting local people with pekapeka,” Paris confirms. “It’s really about building people power on the ground – supporting locals to lead conservation efforts in their own backyards.” franklintimes.co.nz/funding-find... #nzbats #pekapeka 🦇
franklintimes.co.nz
Funding Finding Franklin Bats - Franklin Times
Ben Paris (aka Batman) is no superhero. While he’s spearheaded the Finding Franklin Bats initiative, he can’t ensure the survival of pekapeka on his own. After a busy “batting season” during summer, t...
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
“I think where Franklin’s different is they’re really embracing getting people trained,” O’Donnell said 🦇 news.mongabay.com/2026/05/weve...
news.mongabay.com
‘We’ve got bats’: The community bringing New Zealand’s pekapeka into the spotlight
Billy Mclean knew nothing about bats. As a lifelong Kiwi, there was no reason for him to. Unlike in neighboring Australia and other parts of Oceania whose renowned flying foxes grow meter-long wingspa...
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Reposted by Ben Paris
Veronika Meduna @veronikameduna.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Colossal Biosciences announced they've developed an artificial egg to hatch bird embryos; it's part of their "resurrection" plan for the moa and dodo - here's @nicrawlencenz.bsky.social's analysis of what it could mean for saving living species theconversation.com/de-extinctio...
theconversation.com
De-extinction company says it’s made an artificial egg – if true, it could help save living species
Colossal Biosciences’ artificial egg technology would deliver a useful tool for the conservation of threatened birds, but only if it’s made publicly available.
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Watch: www.threenow.co.nz/shows/wild-h...
threenow.co.nz
Wild Heroes Season 4 Ep 4 | DOCUMENTARY | ThreeNow
The vets treat an albatross that had been kept in someone's home for a week, and the Zoo team is in rural Auckland, supporting efforts to save an endemic bat species.
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Great to see Finding Franklin Bats featured on Auckland Zoo’s Wild Heroes 🦇 Proud to be part of a community working alongside mana whenua, researchers, landowners and organisations to protect our precious pekapeka. Collaboration is key 💚 #Pekapeka #NZbats #Community #Conservation #PestFreeAKL
A long-tailed bat pekapeka
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
static.klipy.com
Eric Cartman: You're Damn Right!
ALT: Eric Cartman: You're Damn Right!
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
I really like what one of the attendees wrote: “Ben reiterated that community IS the research team here. It’s not citizen science - it’s rigorous, detailed science enabled by the community, and there are loads of benefits to doing it this way.” substack.com/home/post/p-... 🦇
substack.com
It's Fricken Bats
A take on the 2026 National Pekapeka Hui
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
I actually tried to make that point in a recent presentation at the National Bat Conference about the Finding Franklin Bats project where the community is collecting bat data, and trying to justify that this can be scientifically robust too!
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
We regularly use “research level” observation data from citizen science platform @inaturalist.bsky.social in our work. I believe that this sort of platform is that sort of bridge you mention 🌉
static.klipy.com
Horace Diaz (Mighty Med) - I Love Bridges!
ALT: Horace Diaz (Mighty Med) - I Love Bridges!
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Citizen science data really does help with decision making as we need data as evidence that change is needed. It may not be as robust or respected as traditional science data, but to me it is extremely valuable to get a sense of what is happening out there on the ground.
static.klipy.com
Data-Driven Decisions For Success
ALT: Data-Driven Decisions For Success
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
The Franklin Local Board is backing environmental projects 🐦 🦇 🐟 franklintimes.co.nz/environmenta... #nzbats #pestcontrol #community #conservation #pestfreeAKL #franklin
franklintimes.co.nz
Environmental funding – for the birds... and bats and fish... - Franklin Times
The Franklin Local Board appears to be on the front foot when it comes to backing environmental projects. Almost $900,000 has been invested this financial year in a range of initiatives aimed at prote...
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Please send me a copy once it’s published 🤩
static.klipy.com
Nice Save Lee Mack
ALT: Nice Save Lee Mack
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
static.klipy.com
Doc Brown: Precisely On Schedule
ALT: Doc Brown: Precisely On Schedule
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Reposted by Ben Paris
Anna Langguth @alangguth.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Excited to share our recent paper on immune function during torpor in the Australian eastern bent-winged bat 🦇 White blood cell counts are suppressed during torpor, but can largely be restored within just 30 minutes after arousal! Truly amazing animals. journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/...
journals.biologists.com
Emergence from torpor rapidly elevates suppressed blood immune parameters in a bat species hibernating in a moderate climate
Summary: Torpor bouts and season alter immune cell dynamics and innate humoral antibacterial activity in a bat species hibernating in mild winter climates, offering new insights into energy–immunity t...
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Reposted by Ben Paris
Veronika Meduna @veronikameduna.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
I can thoroughly recommend this @storycollider.bsky.social workshop - I laughed and cried as I prepared to tell my story (about IVF) and my heart was pounding as I walked up on the stage, but it was one of my best #scicomm experiences www.linkedin.com/posts/scienc...
linkedin.com
📖 Did you know that SCANZ has hosted a Story Collider event before, way back in 2019? It was awesome, and now you have the chance to upskill and learn from the best! The Story Collider Workshop… | S...
📖 Did you know that SCANZ has hosted a Story Collider event before, way back in 2019? It was awesome, and now you have the chance to upskill and learn from the best! The Story Collider Workshop brou...
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
🦇 New research sheds light on how artificial lighting impacts long-tailed bat activity. From the teams at Waikato Uni, DOC, Auckland Uni, and Bioeconomy Science Institute—helping us better protect pekapeka as our nights get brighter. 🔦➡️🦇 #Pekapeka #NZBats link.springer.com/article/10.1...
New research: Amber light affects long-tailed bats’ activity less than cool white light, but more than darkness. 

We found
- Most activity in dark.
- Least activity in cool white light.
- Amber was in between.

Management solution
- Keep dark places dark
- Use amber light (<< 2700K) if light is needed
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Pest Free Howick Ward is entering a new chapter and we’re excited to help continue and grow this important mahi across the Howick Ward. Apply here: 👉 Project Manager : nz.seek.com/job/91984369... 👉 Ecological Restoration Coordinator : nz.seek.com/job/91985452... #pestfreeAKL #community #conservation
nz.seek.com
Pest Free Howick Project Manager Job in Howick, Auckland - SEEK
Lead community conservation projects across Howick Ward in a flexible, purpose-driven environmental leadership role.
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Our awesome friends from Bryter Science put together a hot-takes, showcasing all the awesome stuff that went down at the National Pekapeka Hui, check it out www.pekapeka.org/nzph26 #bathui #community #conservation 🦇
pekapeka.org
National Pekapeka Hui 2026 — Manaaki Pekapeka
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Reposted by Ben Paris
Adrian Hillman @hadrianwild.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Wrinkle-lipped bats leaving their cave in Thailand less frenetically than usual (= slow motion) 🦇 #bats #Thailand #wildlife #wildlifespectacle
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
Auckland dotterel forum: rescued birds, resilient chicks, and nesting surprises from rooftops to airports. Volunteers and citizen science are making a real impact — showing how teamwork and data can protect these special birds 🐦 #NZDotterel #Community #Conservation #CitizenScience #Auckland
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
On International Bat Appreciation Day we celebrate pekapeka 🦇 From winning Bird of the Year to 180+ people gathering for the National Pekapeka Hui, it’s been amazing. Most of all, it’s about growing bat awareness and helping everyday New Zealanders appreciate sharing our world with bats. #nzbats
New Zealand long-tailed bat with identification arm band in an outstretched hand as part of the Finding Franklin Bats research project in Auckland.
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Reposted by Ben Paris
Alberta Community Bat Program/Western Bat Program 🦇 @albertabats.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
🦇A wee bit of bright light today. Our friends at the Ukrainian Bat Rehabilitation Center held a festival to release their overwintered rescues. A great organization (who has shared photos with us) - look them up online. They are awesome bat friends. www.cbc.ca/radio/asitha...
cbc.ca
Ukrainians find hope in war by releasing hundreds of bats into the wild | CBC Radio
Over the weekend more than 1,000 spectators gathered in Ukraine to carefully open cloth bags and release dozens of rescued bats into the air. Alona Pryslutska, co-founder of the Ukrainian Bat Rehab Ce...
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Franklin Local Board has invested nearly $900,000 this financial year in a range of environmental and sustainability initiatives to restore and protect the natural environment 🦇 🐀 🌳 🐟 ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/03... #community #conservation #auckland
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Five ways Franklin cares for its flora and fauna
A total of $900,000 was allocated to protect Franklin's natural environment in 2025/2026.
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
🦇
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Reposted by Ben Paris
Andy McKay @korimakoecology.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Restoration ecologist here with 20ish years experience with planting projects. This planting looks absolutely fine, zero concerns. www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/590...
rnz.co.nz
'Unmitigated disaster': Weeds 'suffocating' council's native planting, resident says
But a council spokesperson says the dense planting of roughly 4000 plants should eventually shade out the kikuyu weed once canopy closure occurs.
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
This looks amazing!! Thanks so much @yesthattallulah.bsky.social for your artwork. Can't wait for the National Pekapeka Hui 2026 to start next week! #bathui 🦇
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Reposted by Ben Paris
Alberta Community Bat Program/Western Bat Program 🦇 @albertabats.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Are you a bat person? 🦇
Flow chart to determine if you are a bat person. (spoiler - everybody is a bat person)
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
🦇 Bats. Brews. Banter. Kick off National Pekapeka Hui 2026 next Tuesday at The Kentish Hotel with our icebreaker and bat-themed cocktails🍸. Sip, mingle, & let the hui take flight! 🎟️ Tickets: pekapeka.org — don’t let this one fly away! #BatHui #BatVibesOnly #nzbats #pekapeka #cocktails #Icebreaker
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Reposted by Ben Paris
Tallulah Cunningham @yesthattallulah.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
another marginalia for @pidj.bsky.social medieval marginalia inspired party game zine. The backers requested a Kākāpo in a hat to celebrate their bumper breeding season this year and I delivered with a fancy chapheron. @nzbatman.bsky.social will know who to tag for appreciating this one.
A New Zealand parrot – the Kākāpo, in a white black and red chapheron (a mediaeval hatch made by rolling a hood into a tube.
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
@yesthattallulah.bsky.social I’m sure @digs.bsky.social would appreciate this! Boom boom!
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
They’re expensive and time-consuming to maintain, they’re sources of carbon emissions, and they make up an astonishing proportion of NZ cities. What else could we do with all of that green space? www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2026...
auckland.ac.nz
Auckland’s love affair with lawns has a hefty bill – University of Auckland
Lawns are expensive and time-consuming to maintain, they’re sources of carbon emissions, and they make up an astonishing proportion of NZ cities.
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Come together with researchers, iwi, kaitiaki, and communities at Rereteewhioi Marae to learn, share, and help shape the future of pekapeka conservation. 2026 National Bat Hui - March 25-27th - Waiuku - hosted by Finding Franklin Bats 🦇 #bathui #nzbats #community #conservation
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
Family forest fungi foray, five finds! #fungi #foray
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Join Finding Franklin Bats for the pekapeka party of the year! Early-bat tickets close soon! 🦇 www.pekapeka.org #bathui #NZbats #pekapeka #party #Community #conservation
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Secure your spot by 7 March to get these great early-bat prices 🦇 #bathui #pekapeka #conservation #community
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
www.instagram.com/troymcdonald... 🦇
instagram.com
Instagram
Create an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you're into with the people who get you.
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Don’t pass up the opportunity to nab some excellent merch at next month's National Pekapeka Hui! Registrations are open: lnkd.in/eU8DQvzC and tee shirts are up for sale! Limited run. No restocks. Artwork by the incredible Troy McDonald: lnkd.in/e-crxr-g #pekapeka #nzbats #bathui
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
So amazing to work alongside some amazingly talented artists who love to show pekapeka in different ways. Can’t wait until everyone gets to see this at the hui! 🦇 www.pekapeka.org #nzbats #pekapeka #bathui
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
“Auckland Council has proudly supported this mahi for decades, working alongside mana whenua, community groups and ecologists to restore the mauri of the Hūnua Ranges.” ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/02... #AKLkokako #AKLbiodiversity
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
The ultimate super-mum: Ruahine the kōkako defies age in the Hūnua Ranges
From brink to booming, still breeding at 21 - the kōkako matriarch tells the Hūnua comeback story.
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
We want your bat pics 📸 🦇
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Bats are set to take centre stage in Waiuku next month as Finding Franklin Bats prepares to host the National Pekapeka Hui. franklintimes.co.nz/franklin-to-... #nzbats #pekapeka #bathui #franklin
franklintimes.co.nz
Franklin to host bat hui - Franklin Times
Bats are set to take centre stage in Waiuku next month as Finding Franklin Bats prepares to host the National Pekapeka Hui. The native long-tailed bat, or Chalinolobus tuberculatus, is one of New Zeal...
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
The National Pekapeka Hui is here! 🦇🎉 Join us at Rereteewhioi Marae from March 25–27, 2026, to connect, learn, and protect pekapeka with bat lovers from across Aotearoa. Ready to be part of the kōrero? Secure your spot now! 🔗 events.humanitix.com/national-pek...
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Out on a bat hunt with Auckland Council elected members and the awesome team at Finding Franklin Bats 🦇✨ #community #conservation #nzbats #batspotting #pekapeka
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Ben Paris @nzbatman.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
“We spend a lot of time talking about how dire things are for native species. I’d love for us to talk more about the birds we’ve saved – and that’s happening with ōi right in front of us on the west coast.” newsroom.co.nz/2026/02/08/p... #aklbiodiversity #pestfreeAKL
newsroom.co.nz
‘Petrelheads’ are restoring an eccentric native bird
Opinion from Auckland University: More than 150 burrows now exist on the mainland at Te Henga – up from only two in 2014
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