Bats of the United States and Canada

Conservation

68 bats of the united states and canada Conservation Numerous federal, state, provincial, and nongovernmental organizations are engaged in the bat conservation effort. Many private landowners and other individuals also are involved. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Canadian Wildlife Service, as well as other federal, state, and provincial agencies and organizations consider several species of bats to be “endangered” or “threatened.” Endangered is defined as being “in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range.” Threatened is defined as “likely to become endangered in the near future throughout all or a significant portion of their range.” Other species are listed in lesser categories such as “special concern” or “in need of management.” Teams of experts established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service have prepared recovery plans, recovery strategies, and status reports for bats in peril. Many protective management measures have been taken, such as gating or fencing certain caves and posting signs at other caves to minimize disturbance of bat colonies by humans. Informational signs tell what endangered species of bats inhabit the cave and when they are present, describe the beneficial nature of bats, and explain the adverse effects of disturbing colonies of bats. Signs also point out that entering these caves during restricted times is illegal; for example, violation of the U.S. Endangered Species Act is punishable by fines of up to $100,000 for each violation. How you can help with bat conservation: 1. Avoid maternity colonies and hibernating bats. Even a slight disturbance is harmful to bats. 2. Cave habitats are fragile and easily disturbed. If you must enter caves, do so only as an observer. Leave everything as you found it. Also, recto runninghead 69 conservation 69 remember that disturbing or harming endangered bats is a federal offense carrying serious penalties. 3. Never shoot, poison, or otherwise harm bats. Bats are extremely beneficial insect eaters, and nuisance bats can be encouraged to move elsewhere without injuring them. Gated openings and informative signs outside caves that are critical habitats for bats apprise visitors that endangered species dwell within. But vandals may cut through gates to gain entry. Troy L. Best ...