Ozark big-eared bat

Big-Eared bat

Ozark Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii ingens) is a species of bat within the family Vespertilionidae, found primarily in the Ozark Mountains of the United States. This endangered species is notable for its large, flexible ears, which can be as long as 2.5 cm, and the distinctive lumps ("glands") on its snout. The Ozark Big-Eared Bat is a subspecies of the Townsend's big-eared bat, with its range limited to a few states including Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Due to its restricted habitat and declining population, it has been the focus of conservation efforts.

Description

The Ozark Big-Eared Bat is medium-sized with a wingspan of 25 to 30 cm. Its most distinctive features are the large, long ears connected at the base by a band of skin, which is a characteristic of the genus Corynorhinus. The fur is brown to cinnamon, and the bat possesses a unique glandular structure on its nose, which is thought to play a role in echolocation. This bat species is nocturnal, roosting during the day in the secluded caves and mines of the Ozark region.

Habitat and Distribution

The natural habitat of the Ozark Big-Eared Bat is primarily limestone caves within the Ozark Mountains. These caves provide the stable temperature and humidity levels required for the bat's survival, especially during hibernation and maternity periods. The distribution of this bat is highly localized to the aforementioned states, with the largest populations found in Arkansas.

Diet

The diet of the Ozark Big-Eared Bat consists mainly of moths and other small insects. They are adept flyers, using their large ears for sophisticated echolocation to navigate and hunt in the dark.

Conservation Status

The Ozark Big-Eared Bat is listed as an endangered species by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Threats to its survival include habitat destruction, particularly the disturbance of roosting sites, and environmental contamination. Conservation efforts focus on protecting known roosting sites and monitoring bat populations. Restrictions on access to caves during critical breeding and hibernation periods are also in place to protect this vulnerable species.

Reproduction

Breeding occurs in the fall, but fertilization is delayed until spring. Females give birth to a single pup in late spring or early summer, which they raise in maternity colonies located in warm, humid caves. The survival rate of pups is a critical factor in the population dynamics of this endangered bat.

See Also

• Bat Conservation
• Endangered Species
• Echolocation
• Vespertilionidae

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