The critically endangered South Island bat population has received a boost with the launch of a recovery project in Marlborough.
Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson has launched the Te Hoiere bat recovery project at the Pelorus Bridge scenic reserve, between Nelson and Havelock on Monday.
Te Hoiere is a sub species of the South Island long-tailed bat.
Ms Wilkinson says the bat, like the kakapo and takahe, is threatened with extinction.
She says the project involves pest control work by Forest and Bird and local volunteers, which will help the bat population and other native species in the area.
The Department of Conversation has upgraded the reserve's camping ground and visitors to the area now have a better chance of seeing the bats flying during the evening.
