The U.S. administration has finally declared the Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) as an endangered species. Martha Williams, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said, “White-nose syndrome is decimating cave-dwelling bat species like the northern long-eared bat at unprecedented rates,”. The Northern long-eared bat, widely distributed in 37 states and eight provinces in North America and much of Canada has been affected by a fungus infection since long time.
Northern long-eared bat is a small bat species with an average length of 8.6 cm and weighing between 5-8 grams. This bat species can be easily identified with its long ears in comparison to the other bats of its genus.
The Northern long-eared bat and 12 other species of bats have been infected by a fungal disease called “White nose syndrome” and suffers a population decline of 97% since 2006. The fungus attacks bats’ wings, muzzles and ears when they hibernate in caves and abandoned mines. It causes them to wake early from hibernation and to sometimes fly outside. They burn up their winter fat stores and eventually die of starvation.
In 2015 the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service marked the Northern long-eared bat as a threatened species. In view of the present population declination, the Society proposed an endangered listing in March, 2022 and considered public comments before deciding to proceed further. Some other reasons of population declination of Northern long-eared bat are: Wind energy related mortality, habitat loss and climate change.
Agencies are trying to reduce the spread of White nose syndrome through human transmission of the fungus into caves and mines. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and other bodies are also trying to minimize bat mortality from wind turbines at different levels. The Service assures that it will also work with wind energy companies to reduce the likelihood that bats will strike turbines.
Research continues to fight with the white-nose syndrome, including development of a vaccine. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has already disbursed a huge amount of sum for the campaign, which involves around 150 agencies, private organizations and Native American tribes.
Read more articles HERE