Protecting Endangered Species

by Mike Daulton

ecently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposed to protect the tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) as an Endangered species. Bat Conservation International (BCI) fully supports using the full power of the Endangered Species Act to protect the tricolored bat.

Tricolored bats were once the most common bat east of the Rocky Mountains. In days past, you’d often see these bats in their fluttery flight patterns at dusk, darting around treetops and devouring mosquitoes, moths, and other insects. Today, 90% of this species has been decimated due to White-nose Syndrome (WNS), an invasive and frustrating fungus that causes bats to unnaturally rouse from hibernation, which, in turn, depletes necessary body fat for bats to survive cold temperatures.

BCI has been on the forefront of developing sound science, documenting the staggering loss WNS has had on tricolored bats, as well as little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) and northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis).

We were part of the team working with the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) to provide the USFWS with the critical data needed to assess the status of the species and inform the decision. We’ve played a leadership role in processing data for NABat, a collaborative network of federal, state and provincial agencies, non-governmental organizations and universities, all of which collects monitoring data across the continent. We’ve helped sound the alarm.

Now that the need has been established, it’s time for a response.

The Endangered Species Act is exactly what is needed to save vulnerable species. The Act, passed with bipartisan support in 1973, has had exceptional success in preventing the extinction of our most-vulnerable animals and plants. An Endangered designation is necessary to apply remedies — thoughtful policy, practices, and funding — that can save tricolored bats. Notably, there is recognition in Congress and at local levels to address wildlife survivability, across all species, with adequate funding.

BCI will continue to be on the forefront of this important work to save all of America’s Endangered bats, to ensure they are protected, today and tomorrow.

Mike Daulton
BCI Executive Director