Photo Credit: Merlin D. Tuttle, Bat Conservation International
MONTGOMERY-The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (AWFFD) has discovered a new Indiana Bat hibernaculum in central Alabama. AWFFD was assisted by The US Fish & Wildlife Service, Environmental Solutions and Innovations, and the Southeastern Cave Conservancy in this discovery. Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) are a federally endangered species and exceedingly rare in Alabama. This is now one of only four active Indiana bat hibernacula known in the state and the cave becomes the southernmost known hibernaculum for the species throughout its entire range.
The numbers of Indiana bats in Alabama caves are small, less than 50 individuals each, as Alabama is on the periphery of the species’ range. In the core of the bat’s range (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Missouri) numbers at hibernacula can be many thousands. Still, these Alabama bats represent an opportunity to learn more about the species in the southernmost portion of their range. Since they live in
Indiana Bats discovered in the crevices of the cave walls
forests different from those to the north, they may have different preferences for where to forage and roost. The timing of their breeding biology may be advanced in the warmer climate of Alabama. What we have observed through previous research suggests they awake from hibernation and depart on their spring migration earlier than their northern relatives. This has important implications for conservation of the species.
STATUS:
Rare, Occurs in northern and eastern half of Alabama. Throughout its distributions populations are becoming increasingly rare in the eastern U.S. due to the fungal affliction White-nose Syndrome, which is devastating some local populations. Listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. HIGHEST CONSERVATION CONCERN.
To learn more about Indiana bats in Alabama check out Outdoor Alabama’s Watchable Wildlife website.
Media Release/Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
