Presenter: Fredrik Hjelm & Hawke
Title: Pekapeka: Inside the Hidden World of New Zealand’s Native Bats
Abstract:
What if one of New Zealand’s most fascinating native species was living nearby - and you had never seen it?
New Zealand’s native bats, or pekapeka, are among our most remarkable and least-seen species. Small, elusive and uniquely adapted to life in Aotearoa, they play an important role in our forest ecosystems - yet many people know very little about them or the challenges they face.
Drawing on extensive field experience, Fredrik Hjelm will explore the ecology and behaviour of pekapeka, the threats affecting their survival, and the practical conservation work being carried out to protect them. From habitat restoration, roost design and monitoring to protection strategies and the use of specialist conservation dogs, this session offers a fascinating look at the science, teamwork and innovation behind safeguarding this threatened taonga species.
Fredrik will also share insights from his work with Hawke, who together with Fredrik forms Aotearoa’s first certified bat conservation dog team.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover the hidden lives of pekapeka: Learn more about how New Zealand’s native bats live, feed, roost and move through our forests, and why they are so important to the wider ecosystem.
- See conservation in action: Explore the practical tools, science and teamwork being used to protect threatened bat populations - from habitat restoration and monitoring to specialist conservation dogs.
Date:
This Flora & Fauna workshop will run on Wednesday 30th September from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm and includes entry into Eden Garden to enjoy on the day.
Venue:
We're delighted to be hosting this workshop at Eden Garden, one of Auckland's hidden botanical treasures. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and tranquil spaces, it's the perfect place to enjoy great conversation and new ideas.
About the experts
Fredrik Hjelm
Fredrik Hjelm is a field-based practitioner in canopy ecology and environmental operations with Living Tree. He works across Aotearoa in pekapeka conservation, kauri protection, canopy research and large-scale forest surveys, with a strong focus on practical, field-led approaches to environmental care.
His work is grounded in collaboration with mana whenua and local communities. Fredrik is also the handler of Hawke, forming Aotearoa’s first certified bat conservation dog team and helping support the monitoring and protection of New Zealand’s threatened native bats.
Hawke
Hawke is a six-year-old Malinois, Belgian Shepherd and a certified conservation detection dog, providing a specialised tool for ecological monitoring, biodiversity protection, and environmental management across Aotearoa.
As Aotearoa's first DOC Conservation Dog Programme certified bat detection dog, he supports bat conservation through highly accurate scent detection across wind farms, environmental assessments, impact monitoring, and species protection projects.
Beyond bat conservation, Hawke is certified for the detection of additional invasive target species and contributes to biosecurity and eradication program in partnership with DOC, MPI, and research organisations on pest-free islands.
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