DOCSLIB.ORG

Myotis Sodalismiller and Allen Indiana

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Myotis Sodalismiller and Allen Indiana Indiana bat, Page 1 Myotis sodalis Miller and Allen Indiana bat State Distribution Best Survey Period Photo by Merlin D. Tuttle, Bat Conservation International Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Status: Federal endangered, State endangered observations have been reported for 12 counties (see distribution map) (MNFI 2001). A lactating female Global and state rank: G2/S1 caught in 1978 (Kurta 1980) supplied the first evidence that the species reproduces in the state. A nursery Family: Vespertilionidae (Plain-nosed bats) colony was located in riparian habitat along the Thornapple River in Eaton County in 1991; a second Total Range: The Indiana bat summers throughout maternity colony was located along the River Raisin in much of the eastern half of the United States, although it Washtenaw County in 1995; and a third was located does not occur in Canada. Breeding, as determined by along the River Raisin in Lenawee County in 2001. An observations of lactating females or young in summer, intensive 1986 study of the distribution of bats in the has been documented in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, central Lower Peninsula (an area from Muskegon to Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio and Saginaw counties north to Manistee and Iosco counties) Tennessee. Other eastern states have summer records did not locate the Indiana bat (Kurta et al. 1989). Likely but lack confirmed evidence of breeding. In winter, the the bat is still under-surveyed in Michigan so there is majority of the population congregates in a limited potential for additional occurrences in suitable habitat number of mines and caves, primarily in the karst throughout the southern Lower Peninsula. Limited band regions of Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana. Additional returns suggest that Michigan’s Indiana bats hibernate in limestone caves in these three states as well as in the caves of Kentucky (Davis, in Kurta 1980). In 1994, Tennessee, Arkansas and others as far north as the however, Kurta and Teramino (1994) reported one New England area harbor smaller groups. female Indiana bat hibernating with approximately 15,000 bats at the spillway of Tippy Dam, a State Distribution: Prior to an intensive survey hydroelectric facility near Wellston, Manistee County. beginning in 1978 (Kurta 1980), there were only nine To date, both adult male and female Indiana bats have known records of this species (all recorded from May to been observed (Kurta et al. 1997), and banded October) scattered in Michigan’s southernmost three individuals have been recaptured two or more years tiers of counties. In 1978 and 1979, 16 additional after their original capture, indicating fidelity to the dam individuals were captured in mist nets in four counties: (Kurta 1998). Eaton, Hillsdale, Livingston, and St. Joseph. Currently, Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Indiana bat, Page 2 Recognition: The Indiana bat is one of Michigan’s than 30 m), and a minimum of 3 nights of netting smaller bats. Total body length ranges from 73 - 100 (USFWS 1996). Nets should be checked approximately mm (2.9 - 3.9 in); tail length ranges from 27 - 44 mm every 20 minutes from dusk to dawn, although the (1.1 - 1.7 in); wingspan is 240 - 280 mm (9 - 11 in); and period from sunset to four hours after sunset weight ranges from 6 - 11 g (0.2 - 0.4 oz) (Kurta 1995). encompasses the major activity period of bats (Kunz Fur is grayish brown with short, rounded, dark 1973). Bats that become tangled in the net can be ears; wing membranes are dark; the bat’s carefully removed and examined to determine species, underside has a pinkish cast. An Indiana bat needs to sex, reproductive condition and weight. Detectors like be held in-hand to distinguish it from Michigan’s other Anabat, which record the ultrasonic vocalizations of eight species (Kurta 1982, Baker 1983), particularly to bats, may help simplify future surveys. However, distinguish it from the two similarly sized and colored additional work needs to be done to separate and Myotis species. Indiana bats can be readily identified by identify the specific vocalizations of the various species the following detailed characteristics: the tragus (a of Myotis (Kurta 2000). Potential hibernacula (natural fleshy projection in the ear which aids in echolocation) caves and abandoned mines) can be checked for the is at least half the length of the ear, a distinct presence of Indiana bat, but this work should be done elevated ridge is present on the calcar (a structure only by an experienced biologist with specialized extending from the heel to support the back margin of equipment. the tail), and the hairs on the hind toes are less than the length of the toenail (Hall 1962, Barbour and Comments: Like any wild mammal, a bat should not be Davis 1969). Michigan’s two other Myotis species, the handled casually or without protective equipment. Bats northern long-eared bat and the little brown bat, lack the that are handled will bite in self-defense, and sick calcar. In addition, the ears of the northern long-eared individuals are more likely to be caught. Following bat, when laid forward, extend beyond the tip of the established protocol, there is very little danger of disease nose (those of the Indiana bat do not), and the little transmittal to humans. brown bat has hairs that are distinctly longer than the tips of the hind claws. Habitat: The Indiana bat forms colonies and forages in riparian and mature floodplain habitats (Humphrey et al. Best Survey Time: Mist netting perpendicular to 1977, Clark et al. 1987). Foraging typically occurs over travel corridors, such as streams, rivers and logging slow-moving, wooded streams and rivers as well as in trails, is the best method for capturing the Indiana bat. the canopy of mature trees. Movements also may However, Humphrey et al. (1977) found that this extend into the outer edge of the floodplain and to species was difficult to capture in mist nets, even when nearby solitary trees. Upland areas isolated from it was known to be foraging over the netting area. Mist floodplains and non-wooded streams are generally netting from 15 May - 15 August is generally effective. avoided (Humphrey et al. 1977). Nursery roost sites Indiana bats begin leaving the roost to feed about 25 consisting of females and young are usually located minutes after sundown (Kurta 1995). In general, mist under loose bark or in hollows and crevices of trees. netting utilizes a pair of poles positioned under The summer habitat of the male Indiana bat is poorly overhanging tree branches on opposite sides of the understood. Summering males in Missouri were found travel corridor. Two to four very fine mesh nets are mainly to be foraging among trees rather than over stacked vertically and suspended above the corridor water. During winter, Indiana bats hibernate in caves between pulley ropes attached to the poles. Using this and mines. Indiana bats typically avoid houses or other system, it is possible to raise the top of the uppermost artificial structures. net to the canopy and create a wall of netting that blocks most or all of the flyway. A typical set is 7 m Biology: Most Indiana bats migrate into the Great high (3 nets stacked on top of one another) and up to 20 Lakes basin beginning in late April. Once here females m long. Sampling of one net site per km of flyway and 2 form nursery or maternity colonies, which may be as net sites per square km of habitat constitutes a minimum large as 100 individuals. The loose bark of dead trees is level of effort. Netting at each site should consist of 4 used for roosting, especially green ash, red oak, net nights (unless bats are caught sooner), a minimum shagbark hickory, American elm, and cottonwood. Most of 2 net locations at each sites (preferably no closer roost trees are in heavily canopied forest, but some are Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Indiana bat, Page 3 in pastures or open wetlands. Population size at any one have air temperatures of 4 -8oC (39 - 46oF) and a roost can fluctuate dramatically. For example the relative humidity between 75 - 95% throughout winter population at one green ash tree in Michigan varied from (Clawson 1987). Few caves provide the microclimatic 4 to 45 animals as the bats shifted back and forth, conditions required by this species. Hibernating Indiana among eight different trees, located within 160 m (525 bats cluster very tightly together, more so than any other ft) of each other (Kurta et al.1996). Data from banded North American species, and they carpet the ceiling of individuals indicate females return to the same general their hibernacula in densities of 3,200 bats/m2 (300 bats/ area each spring and occasionally occupy the same tree ft2). that was used the previous summer. During summer, males roost singly or in small groups. Kurta’s extensive work with the Indiana bat in Michigan has shown that the species is more adaptable than once Bats are most active during crepuscular and nighttime thought and that the species likely behaves differently in hours. Indiana bats prefer foraging in dense floodplain the northern portion of its range. While the bat generally forest where they fly just above or below the canopy. A was believed to prefer roosts underneath exfoliating summer colony’s foraging area usually encompasses a bark, crevice roosts appear to be favored in Michigan. stretch of stream over a half-mile (0.8 km) in length Data from Illinois (Gardner et al.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Eastern Small-Footed Myotis (Myotis Leibii)
    ========================================================================== Current Status and Conservation Strategy for the Eastern Small-footed Myotis (Myotis leibii) October 2001 Technical Report #00-19 =========================================================================== Current Status and Conservation Strategy for the Eastern Small-footed Myotis (Myotis leibii) Prepared by: Sandra Y. Erdle and Christopher S. Hobson for: The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Natural Heritage 217 Governor Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 786-7951 Technical Report #00-19 This document may be cited as follows: Erdle, S. Y., and C. S. Hobson. 2001. Current status and conservation strategy for the eastern small-footed myotis (Myotis leibii). Natural Heritage Technical Report # 00-19. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage, Richmond, VA. 17 pp + appendices. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation programs, activities, and employment opportunities are available to all people regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, or political affiliation. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Current status and conservation strategy: Myotis leibii (October 2001) 2 CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . ii INTRODUCTION. 1 LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY . 2 Taxonomy . 2 General Characteristics . 2 Distribution and Abundance . 2 Conservation Status . 4 Summer Ecology and Behavior . 4 Winter Ecology and Behavior . 5 Ecologic and Economic Importance . 5 Ontogeny and Reproduction . 6 Predators . 7 DISCUSSION AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS . 7 CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION . 9 Recommendations . 9 Information Needs . 10 PERTINENT LITERATURE . 12 APPENDICES . 18 Appendix A - Survey Form - List of Personal Contacts and Plan Reviewers - Responses to Survey Form Appendix B - Explanation of the Natural Heritage Ranking System Appendix C - Poster Abstract (American Society of Mammalogists) FIGURES Figure 1.
    [Show full text]
  • INDIANA BAT Scientific Name: Myotis Sodalis Miller and Allen Other
    Common Name: INDIANA BAT Scientific Name: Myotis sodalis Miller and Allen Other Commonly Used Names: Indiana myotis, social myotis Previously Used Names: none Family: Vespertilionidae Rarity Ranks: G2/S1 State Legal Status: Endangered Federal Legal Status: Endangered Description: The dorsal hair of the Indiana bat is dark chestnut gray to pinkish gray, darker at the base, and lacks luster. Individual hairs have three bands of color. The ears and wing membranes also have a flat coloration that does not contrast with the fur. The underfur is somewhat lighter colored with a pinkish cast. The hairs on the relatively small (9 mm, inch) feet are short and inconspicuous and the calcar (a spur of cartilage arising from inner side of ankle and running along part of outer wing ) is keeled. The total length is 41 - 49 mm (1 - 1 inches), the forearm length is 35 - 41 mm (1 -1 inches), the wingspread is 24 - 27 cm (9 - 10 inches), and the weight is about 5 - 8 grams (about ¼ ounce). Similar Species: In general, the Indiana bat closely resembles the little brown bat (Mysotis lucifugus). Characters of the latter that help distinguish it are a slightly larger (10mm) foot, toe hairs that extend beyond the knuckles, a keel-less calcar, and burnished bronze hair tips. Habitat: Indiana bats gather in large groups in suitable caves to hibernate, more than 85% of the population in just nine caves in Indiana, Missouri, and Kentucky. These bats need winter caves with a stable temperature of 4 - 8°C (39 - 46°F) that contain standing water which maintains relative humidity above 74%.
    [Show full text]
  • Indiana Bat Habitat Requirements
    Section II-F Bat Habitat Conservation Priorities in Missouri Indiana Bat, Northern Long-Eared Bat, and Gray Bat NOTE: The Missouri Heritage Database, adapted for NRCS Field Office Technical Guide use, will be consulted for potential impacts to the Indiana Bat, Northern Long- Eared Bat, and Gray Bat. Please refer questions regarding these Bat Habitat Conservation Priorities to the Area Biologist. Area staff should direct questions to the State Wildlife Biologist. Indiana Bat The Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) is a federal and state listed endangered species. When the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical or financial assistance to landowners, habitat for this species must be considered and evaluated by NRCS staff that has completed the joint agency workshop, “U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service/NRCS Coordination for the Conservation of the Indiana Bat in Missouri.” Biology of the Indiana Bat From late fall through winter, Indiana bats in Missouri hibernate in caves in the Ozark Region. During the spring and summer, the bats utilize living, injured (e.g. split trunks and broken limbs from lightening strikes or wind), dead or dying trees for roosting throughout the state. Indiana bat roost trees tend to be greater than 9 inches (dbh) with loose or exfoliating bark. Large trees (greater than 20 inches dbh) are preferred. Most important are the structural characteristics that provide adequate space for bats to roost. Preferred roost sites are located in forest openings, at the forest edge, or where the overstory canopy allows some sunlight exposure to the roost tree which is usually within 0.6 miles of water.
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation Guidance for Indiana Bat (Myotis Sodalis)
    Conservation Guidance for Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis). Henning, Bridget; Hinz Jr., Leon C; Kath, Joe INHS Technical Report 2017 (26) Prepared for Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Wildlife Initiative Grants Program Issue Date: 8/30/2017 Unrestricted, for immediate release Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Mark R. Ryan, Executive Director Illinois Natural History Survey Leellen Solter, Interim Director 1816 South Oak Street Champaign, IL 61820 217-333-6830 Illinois Natural History Survey has undertaken a project producing documents that provide conservation guidance for listed species in Illinois for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The project is titled: Conservation Guidance for Species in Greatest Need of Conservation (SGNC) T- 96-R-001. The primary purpose of guidance documents is to provide various project developers/land managers with information on the species, how their actions may impact the species, and how they can minimize/mitigate/monitor those impacts. In addition, the documents may be useful for identifying research needs to direct various funds, as a first step towards recovery planning, or for informing the general public. We intend the documents to be comprehensive and inclusive of scientific and experiential knowledge of the species and its conservation. The documents incorporate information on current conservation efforts, conservation opportunities and research needs. Interviews with stakeholders were held to identify information that should be included in conservation guidance documents. We prioritized document production for species that were frequently the subject of Incidental Take Authorizations or were consulted on in the IDNR’s EcoCat program. Initial literature reviews was conducted to produce first draft documents.
    [Show full text]
  • Index of Handbook of the Mammals of the World. Vol. 9. Bats
    Index of Handbook of the Mammals of the World. Vol. 9. Bats A agnella, Kerivoula 901 Anchieta’s Bat 814 aquilus, Glischropus 763 Aba Leaf-nosed Bat 247 aladdin, Pipistrellus pipistrellus 771 Anchieta’s Broad-faced Fruit Bat 94 aquilus, Platyrrhinus 567 Aba Roundleaf Bat 247 alascensis, Myotis lucifugus 927 Anchieta’s Pipistrelle 814 Arabian Barbastelle 861 abae, Hipposideros 247 alaschanicus, Hypsugo 810 anchietae, Plerotes 94 Arabian Horseshoe Bat 296 abae, Rhinolophus fumigatus 290 Alashanian Pipistrelle 810 ancricola, Myotis 957 Arabian Mouse-tailed Bat 164, 170, 176 abbotti, Myotis hasseltii 970 alba, Ectophylla 466, 480, 569 Andaman Horseshoe Bat 314 Arabian Pipistrelle 810 abditum, Megaderma spasma 191 albatus, Myopterus daubentonii 663 Andaman Intermediate Horseshoe Arabian Trident Bat 229 Abo Bat 725, 832 Alberico’s Broad-nosed Bat 565 Bat 321 Arabian Trident Leaf-nosed Bat 229 Abo Butterfly Bat 725, 832 albericoi, Platyrrhinus 565 andamanensis, Rhinolophus 321 arabica, Asellia 229 abramus, Pipistrellus 777 albescens, Myotis 940 Andean Fruit Bat 547 arabicus, Hypsugo 810 abrasus, Cynomops 604, 640 albicollis, Megaerops 64 Andersen’s Bare-backed Fruit Bat 109 arabicus, Rousettus aegyptiacus 87 Abruzzi’s Wrinkle-lipped Bat 645 albipinnis, Taphozous longimanus 353 Andersen’s Flying Fox 158 arabium, Rhinopoma cystops 176 Abyssinian Horseshoe Bat 290 albiventer, Nyctimene 36, 118 Andersen’s Fruit-eating Bat 578 Arafura Large-footed Bat 969 Acerodon albiventris, Noctilio 405, 411 Andersen’s Leaf-nosed Bat 254 Arata Yellow-shouldered Bat 543 Sulawesi 134 albofuscus, Scotoecus 762 Andersen’s Little Fruit-eating Bat 578 Arata-Thomas Yellow-shouldered Talaud 134 alboguttata, Glauconycteris 833 Andersen’s Naked-backed Fruit Bat 109 Bat 543 Acerodon 134 albus, Diclidurus 339, 367 Andersen’s Roundleaf Bat 254 aratathomasi, Sturnira 543 Acerodon mackloti (see A.
    [Show full text]
  • Myotis Sodalis) in Illinois
    Transactions of the Illinois State Academy of Science (1996), Volume 89, 3 and 4, pp. 187-196 Summer Distribution of the Federally Endangered Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) in Illinois James E. Gardner, Joyce E. Hofmann, and James D. Garner* Illinois Natural History Survey Champaign, IL 61820 and *Illinois Department of Natural Resources Springfield, IL 62701 Present address of JEG: Missouri Highway and Transportation Department Jefferson City, MO 65102 ABSTRACT During the summers of 1985 through 1994, mist netting was conducted at 191 sites in 71 Illinois counties to determine the summer distribution of the federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis). A total of 115 Indiana bats was captured at 35 sites in 21 counties in the southern three-fourths of Illinois. Adult male Indiana bats were also found to be using two caves and one mine during the summer. Because one cave was located in an additional county, summer records were obtained for 22 counties. Captures of reproduc- tively active females or juveniles at 24 sites in 16 counties indicated that maternity colo- nies of this species occur throughout its range in Illinois. Recaptures of banded individu- als in the same area during different summers demonstrated that Indiana bats displayed loyalty to their summer ranges. INTRODUCTION The federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) is a migratory species that congre- gates in caves and abandoned mines during the winter, but is more widely dispersed during the summer (Barbour and Davis 1969). The majority of this species hibernates in a few caves and one mine in Missouri, southern Indiana, and Kentucky (Brady et al.
    [Show full text]
  • GRAY BAT Scientific Name: Myotis Grisescens Howell Other Commonly
    Common Name: GRAY BAT Scientific Name: Myotis grisescens Howell Other Commonly Used Names: gray myotis Previously Used Scientific Names: none Family: Vespertilionidae Rarity Ranks: G3/S1 State Legal Status: Endangered Federal Legal Status: Endangered Description: Color of the gray bat varies from dark gray immediately following molt in July or August, to russet, which is especially evident in females during the spring. Woolly-looking dorsal fur is uniformly gray from root to tip and the belly fur is grayish-white. The rear edge of the wing membrane attaches at the ankle. This is Georgia's largest Myotis bat, with a total length of 80 - 100 mm (3 - 4 inches), forearm length of 40 - 46 mm (1 -1 inches), wing spread of about 30 cm (12 inches) and weight of 7 - 16 grams (¼ - ½ ounces), typically 8 - 11 grams (about ¼ ounces). Similar Species: The gray bat is very similar to several other species in the same genus: southeastern bat (Myotis austroriparius), little brown bat (M. lucifugus), northern long-eared bat (M. septentrionalis), and Indiana bat (M. sodalis). However, these other myotis bats have banded dorsal fur (not uniformly colored from base to tip), and the wing membrane attaches to the base of the first toe rather than the ankle. Habitat: Perhaps the most cave-dependent mammal in this country, the gray bat roosts and hibernates exclusively in suitable caves in the southeastern U.S. However, some of the few specimens collected in Georgia were found in a drainage tunnel under the University of Georgia football stadium. Less than 5% of available caves in the southeastern U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix J Wildlife Reports
    Appendix J Wildlife Reports To: Linda Cope, Wyoming Game and Fish Department From: Kim Chapman & Genesis Mickel, Applied Ecological Services Date: June 14, 2017 Re: Memo on new surveys requested by Wyoming Game & Fish Department _____________________________________________________________________________________ AES biologists have been collecting baseline biological data and recording incidental observations for the Boswell Springs Wind Project between 2011 and 2016 in consultation with Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). During a Project meeting on May 26, 2017 and follow-up letter dated June 5, 2017, staff at the WGFD requested targeted surveys for four species of interest to better assess their presence or absence in the Project area. The four species are black-footed ferret, swift fox, mountain plover, and long-billed curlew. The purpose of this memo is to summarize the survey methodology presented and accepted by WGFD on a June 12, 2017 conference call. 1. White-tailed prairie dog activity areas. Incidental sightings or evidence for black-footed ferret, swift fox, and mountain plover, have been isolated to areas identified as high-density for prairie dog burrows. As a result, the first task is to refine the mapping of the prairie dog colonies and field verify the high- activity areas. The resulting high-activity areas will then be used to survey for presence or absence of these species. Prairie dog burrow densities were originally mapped in the Project area from aerial photos, which were then ground-truthed along transects. The resulting map indicated areas of burrows at high, moderate, and low densities, but did not pinpoint the areas where prairie dogs were most active.
    [Show full text]
  • GRAY and Indiana BAT POPULATION TRENDS in MISSOURI PE-44
    PE-44 Gray and Indiana Bat population Trends in Missouri William R. Elliott Cave Biologist/Resource Scientist Missouri Department of Conservation Resource Science Division Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0180 [email protected] 573-751-4115 ext 3194 Abstract Since 1975 the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has system- atically censused the endangered bats, Myotis sodalis (Indiana bat) and M. grise- scens (Gray bat). A recent statewide reestimate of about 15,812 indicates that Indiana bats declined by 95% since 1979. Pilot Knob Mine, a National Wildlife Refuge, had 80,000-100,000 Indiana bats in 1958, but only 1,678 were found there in February 2008, a 98% decline. At other sites they declined or abandoned one cave for another, seeking protection and more optimal temperatures. Their decline probably was caused by multiple factors, including human disturbance, the partial collapse of Pilot Knob Mine in 1979, warming of hibernacula, and possibly by pesticides and loss of summer habitat in northern Missouri. White Nose Syndrome has not been found in Missouri. Missouri’s Gray bat population declined, but it is now stable or increasing in some protected caves. Many other caves remain abandoned for various reasons. At bottom, Gray bats lost at least 67% of their maximum past population, as measured in 56 important caves, and 53% of the caves were abandoned. The ma- ternity population of Gray bats is currently estimated at approximately 635,000, but it may have been >1,700,000 in the past. The three largest Gray bat hiber- nacula were censused in 2006 and totalled 773,850.
    [Show full text]
  • Little Brown Bat Indiana Bat Small-Footed Bat Northern Long
    Little Brown Bat Small-footed Bat (Myotis lucifugus) (Myotis leibii) The Little Brown Bat is one This bat is the smallest bat of the most common bat species in New York State. species and is found Weighing in at less than a nickel, throughout North America this colonial bat is often found including Alaska. This is a roosting in rock crevices, under colonial bat that can be boulders, and in quarries in the found in human dwellings, summer. They hibernate in caves but they will also roost in or mines in the winter. The trees during the summer. Small-footed Bat is a Species of During the winter, the Little Brown Bat will Special concern in New York. hibernate in caves or mines. It appears at least some Little Brown Bats on Fort Drum fly to the Indiana Bat other side of the Adirondacks to hibernate in the (Myotis sodalis) Champlain Valley. Little Brown Bats have Despite being called the experienced extensive population declines due to Indiana Bat, in 2006 White-nose Syndrome. there was approximately 35,000 bats, or 9% of the How Can You Tell Them Apart? entire population in New Myotis or “mouse-eared” bats all look very similar York State. The number and are very difficult to tell apart. They all typically of Indiana bats has since have dark ears, faces, and wing membranes; glossy declined due to White- brown or gray fur; wingspans of 8-11 inches; and nose Syndrome. body lengths of 2-3 inches. Determining the species Fort Drum documented the first Indiana Bat on the can usually only be done by individuals trained to installation in August 2006.
    [Show full text]
  • Indiana Myotis, Myotis Sodalis
    Myotis sodalis (Miller and Allen, 1928) INMY W. Mark Ford and Brian R. Chapman CONTENT AND TAXONOMIC COMMENTS The Indiana (or social) myotis (Myotis sodalis)isa monotypic species (Hall 1981). Before the Indiana myotis was described, several authors identified specimens as the little brown myotis (M. lucifugus). Cases of misidentification were described by Miller and Allen (1928) and Mumford and Cope (1964). The literature on the life history, ecology, and management of the Indiana myotis is reviewed by Thomson (1982), Menzel et al. (2001), and Kurta and Kennedy (2002). DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Indiana myotis is a small-to-medium-sized bat. Measurements are: total length, 70.8–90.6 mm; tail, 27–43.8 mm; hind foot, 7.2–8.6 mm; forearm, 36–40.4 mm; weight, 5–11 g. The color of the dorsal pelage varies, but is often dull brownish-gray to dark pinkish-gray. Individual dorsal hairs are tricolor. The ventral pelage is lighter and appears pinkish-white. The bat is most easily confused with the little brown myotis and southeastern myotis (M. austroriparius) from which it can be distinguished by its short, almost inconspicuous toe hairs and a small but noticeable keel on the calcar (Menzel et al. 2002). The dental formula is: I 2/3, C 1/1, P 3/3, M 3/3 = 38 (Figure 1). CONSERVATION STATUS The Indiana myotis has a global rank of Imperiled (NatureServe 2007). It is also Imperiled in Alabama, and Arkansas, and is Critically Imperiled in Kentucky, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. In North Carolina, the status of the bat is Under Review.
    [Show full text]
  • SC Bat Conservation Plan Ii
    SOUTH CAROLINA Bat Conservation Plan South Carolina Department of Natural Resources SOUTH CAROLINA BAT CONSERVATION PLAN Updated September 2020 Prepared by: Jennifer R. Kindel Wildlife Biologist South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 124 Wildlife Drive Union, SC 29379 This is the South Carolina Bat Conservation Plan. It has been revised and updated annually from the initial plan created in September 2015. This plan provides information on legal status, public health, conservation issues, natural history, habitat requirements, species-specific accounts, threats and conservation strategies for bat species known to occur in the state. The primary purpose of this plan is to summarize available information for these species and provide proactive strategies in order to help guide management and conservation efforts. Suggested citation: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. South Carolina Bat Conservation Plan. Columbia, South Carolina. 206 pp. Cover photo by Mary Bunch Table of Contents Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................. iv Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................... v Purpose ..............................................................................................................................................................................v Bat Species in South Carolina................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]