38 Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project | Terrestrial Ecology Values and Effects of the WUG | 22 June 2022 Both forest and elegant geckos are classified as “At Risk – Declining’ Diversity and pattern Very Low* Not applicable. Unknown Survey data suggests that the lizard community within this part of CFP has low diversity and abundance (two individuals of two species recorded) (Appendix 2). Ecological context Very Low* Not applicable. Unknown Insufficient data available. Lizard records within this area are sparse. Overall ecological value Negligible* High* 5.5 Native Bat Values 5.5.1 Desktop Analysis New Zealand has two endemic species of bat (pekapeka), the long-tailed (Chalinolobus tuberculatus) classified as Threatened – Nationally Critical and short-tailed (Mystacina tuberculata) classified as Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable (DOC 2018c). Previous records suggest that long-tailed bats were once widespread across the Coromandel Peninsula (Kessels & Associates, 2010). The cause of the apparent decline on the peninsula is unknown but the general decline of bat populations across New Zealand is attributed to predation and competition from introduced mammals and wasps as well as habitat degradation and fragmentation (O’Donnell, 2002). Human modification is apparent across the Wharekirauponga catchment, and old growth forest, which contains abundant cavity-bearing trees required by both native bat species for roosting, is uncommon. However long-tailed bats are highly adaptive and are confirmed in other, modified areas across the country. Bat surveys have previously been carried out at specific sites as part of the Wharekirauponga exploration drill surveys and baseline ecological surveys (BML 2018, 2019a, 2019b, 2021a). A total of 15 sites throughout the Wharekirauponga area have been surveyed for 220 nights. We consider that these surveys provide a sound basis for our assessment. No bats have been detected in the Wharekirauponga catchment during ecological surveys by Boffa Miskell. Long-tailed bats are recorded as present within the Waihi ED (Kessels & Associates, 2010). Historical records of bats from the saddle between Marototo and Grace Darling catchments, in forest close to and above the Waitekauri River; and on the western side of the Waitekauri River near its confluence with Union Stream have been reported (Garrick Assoc. & DSIR, 1987 Wildlife of Golden Cross. Golden Cross Mining Project. Technical Report Series). Recent recordings have been documented in the northern extent of the Kaimai Ranges (c 25 km from the Project Area; 2013). Bats occupy large areas (in the order of 10,000 ha) and move long distances between roost sites and it is possible they may use habitats within the wider area for roosting or feeding. DOC has identified that both long-tailed and short-tailed bats may be present within the wider area.
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