Photo credit: Adam Mann
The Indiana Bat, Myotis sodalis, is listed as ‘ENDANGERED’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. It occurs in the Midwest and eastern United States, with northern populations migrating south for the winter.
This species has undergone a serious decline in recent years, with one of the main threats believed to be human disturbance at winter hibernation sites, which can cause direct mortality, or cause the bats to rouse depleting vital energy reserves. Indiana Bats have further been affected by the recently discovered White-nose Syndrome. At least 13,000 bats have died of this poorly understood disease.
A recovery plan is in place for the Indiana Bat, with conservation actions including management of hibernation sites and summer habitat, further research, and public education programmes. The most important hibernation sites are protected, but adequate protection of maternity roosts, prevention of human disturbance at roost sites, solving the White-nose Syndrome, and appropriate forest management, will be important for ensuring the long-term survival of this species.
Geographic Range of the Indiana Bat
Credit: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
To learn more about Indiana Bats, click here. Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ by clicking their logo below.
To learn more about the Bush Warriors “Species of the Day” feature, please click here and read up on our initiative to raise awareness about the loss of earth’s biodiversity.
