Indiana
Bat
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Frequently Asked Questions
It has pink lips, extended tragus (projection in the ear), and bi-color hair, dark at the base and light on the ends. 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. 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 breeding sites. 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 Department of Interior) whenever new issues develop to ensure 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 in 1999. Research: Research continues to investigate the cause(s) of the dramatic decline of Indiana Bats populations and appropriate actions necessary to conserve this species. 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 range of the Indiana Bat? The Indiana Bat is found over most of the eastern half of the US. However, most large hibernating populations are found in Indiana, Missouri and Kentucky. What is the habitat of the Indiana 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 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 edges of hardwood forests. During summer, males roost singly or in small groups. Females may roost in groups of up to 100 bats. How do Indiana Bats reproduce? 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 have only 1 pup each year. What is the diet of the Indiana Bat? Variety of night-flying aquatic and terrestrial insects along rivers, lakes and in upland areas, such as flies and moths. When was the Indiana Bat first listed as Endangered? By USFWS on March 11, 1967. 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. How does a species become listed as Endangered or Threatened? The listing process is one of the basic functions performed by USFWS 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. What does 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. Why is the Indiana Bat Endangered? Indiana Bat populations have been declining since early 1960s. 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 typically 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: 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 recently-treated areas. |
Why
is it called Indiana Bat?
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