Why is it called the Indiana Bat?

The first specimen was discovered and described in Indiana in 1928.

When was the Indiana Bat first listed as endangered?

On March 11, 1967 by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

What is meant by "endangered?"

Endangered species are animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct throughout all or a significant portion of their range.

What is the status of the bat?

These bats have decreased from approximately 808,000 in the 1950s to 350,000 (1997 survey). Not much is known about the bat's ecology although scientific data is currently being gathered.

What does an endangered "listing" mean?

Once a species is listed, all protective measures authorized by the Endangered Species Act apply to the species and its habitat. Such measures may include: protection from any adverse effects of federal activities; restrictions on taking, transporting, or selling a species and authorization for USFWS to develop and carry out recovery plans.

How does a species become listed as threatened or endangered?

The listing process is one of the basic functions performed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in carrying out its responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act. USFWS has developed a priority system designed to direct its efforts toward the plants and animals in greatest need of protection. In order to list, reclassify, or delist a species, USFWS must follow a strict legal process known as a "rulemaking" procedure. The rule is first proposed in the Federal Register, a US Government publication. After a public comment period, USFWS decides if the rule should be approved, revised, or withdrawn. This process encourages the participation of all interested parties, including the general public. The entire process can take up to a year or longer in unusual circumstances.

Why is the Indiana Bat endangered?

Indiana Bat populations have been declining in recent years. The declining numbers were observed at hibernation sites such as caves and abandoned mines, where the bats gather in large numbers. There are several scientific theories as to what factors are contributing to the bats' decline:

• Human Disturbance: - First listed as endangered largely because of their habit of living in very large numbers in only a few caves. This makes the bats extremely vulnerable to disturbance. Significant portion of the population can be affected by just one event.

• Cave Commercialization and Improper Gating - Any gate or structure placed on the cave or mine that prevents bat access or alters air flow, temperature, humidity, or amount of light is harmful.

• Low Birth Rate - Because of low reproductive rates (Indiana Bats have only 1 young each year) coupled with a potentially high death rate, it may take years to replace lost individuals.

What are other possible causes of Indiana Bat decline?

The following is speculation that has yet to be proven or disproven by science:

• Habitat Loss or Degradation - Much of the midwestern forests have been converted to urban and agricultural uses, removing forest habitat from Indiana Bat use.

• Agricultural Chemicals - Chemicals may kill insects that bats eat. The bats may eat contaminated insects; drink contaminated water, or absorb chemicals when feeding in areas that have recently been treated.

What is being done to protect the Indiana Bat?

• Habitat Enhancement: US Forest Service (US Dept. of Agriculture) actively manages watersheds and forests to provide Indiana Bat habitat including sources of water, roosts and forage areas. Bat-friendly gates have been installed in key hibernacula. Collaboration continues with federal, state and private organizations to improve bat habitat rangewide.

• Consultation: US Forest Service consults both informally and formally with US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS - US Dept. of Interior) whenever new information surfaces or proposed projects impact the bat. The collaboration between the two agencies ansures that new information is considered and that projects maintain or enhance the bats' conservation and recovery.

• Recovery Plan: USFWS developed a recovery plan in 1976, followed by a revision in 1983. A newly revised recovery plan for the Indiana Bat is due out this year.

• Research: Research continues to discover the cause(s) of the dramatic decline of Indiana Bats populations and appropriate actions necessary to conserve this species.

What are the characteristics?

• Length: 7.62-8.89 cm (3-3.5 in.) Approximate size of a small mouse.

• Weight: ranges from 4.5 - 9.5 grams (.16 - .34 oz.) Weight of an average door key.

• Wingspan: 24 - 27 cm (9 1/2 - 10 1/2 inches)

• Color: dull greyish chestnut

• Lifespan: 14 years

What is the range of the bat?

The Indiana Bat is found over most of the eastern half of the US. However, most large hibernating populations are found only in Indiana, Missouri and Kentucky.

What is the scientific name of the Indiana Bat?

Myotis sodalis. Myotis comes from two Greek words meaning "mouse ear" and sodalis comes from the Latin word for "companion" which refers to this bat's habitat of hibernating in large groups known as clusters. It is also referred to as the "social" bat because of its habit of congregating.

What is the habitat of the bat?

Indiana bats hibernate during winter in caves and abandoned mines. Density of hibernating bats can range from 300 to 484 bats/square foot. Some large caves support over 80,000 bats. Suitable hibernation sites in caves must be draft- free and have a constant winter temperature. After hibernation, Indiana bats migrate to summer roosts, which are generally in hardwood forests adjacent to streams and lakes. Upland trees are also sometimes used. During summer, males roost singly or in small groups. Females may roost in groups of up to 100 bats.

What are the reproduction facts of the bat?

Bats mate in fall before entering caves for hibernation. Females store sperm through winter and become pregnant in spring after hibernation, then migrate to summer areas, where they roost under peeling bark of dead or dying trees to have their young (called pups). These bats usually have only 1 pup each year.

What is the diet of the bat?

Variety of night-flying acquatic and terrestrial insects along rivers, lakes and in upland areas, such as mosquitos, flies and moths.

How does the Indiana Bat benefit the environment?

The Indiana Bat's diet is insects. The bats help to keep insect numbers under control and eat nuisance and pest insects like alfalfa weevils and gypsy moths. Their presence adds to the biological diversity of forest communities.