Virginia
Big-eared Bats in North Carolina
Status: Endangered
The following description for the Ozark and Virginia Big-eared Bats is taken from Harvey, Michael J., BATS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, USFWS, Center for the Management, Utilization, and Protection of Water Resources - Tennessee Technological University, February, 1992:
The range of the endangered Ozark big-eared bat includes only a few caves in northwestern and north-central Arkansas, southwestern Missouri, and eastern Oklahoma. The total surviving population of this race is probably less than 1700. Approximately 1400 inhabit a few caves in eastern Oklahoma. In Arkansas, only two caves are presently known to be regularly inhabited by colonies of Ozark big-eared bats--a hibernation cave and a nearby maternity cave. The Arkansas population numbers about 260 individuals. They are no longer known to exist in Missouri caves.
The endangered Virginia big-eared bat occurs only in certain sections of Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. The total population of this race is estimated to number approximately 10,000.
Because Ozark and Virginia big-eared bats are so rare, little is known about their respective biologies. However, much is known about the species in other parts of its range, most of which may also apply to Ozark and Virginia big-eared bats. In parts of its range, this species occupies buildings in summer. In the eastern U.S., with rare exception, it has been reported only from caves during summer and winter.
Ozark and Virginia big-eared bats hibernate in caves (sometimes mines) where the temperature is 54 degrees F or less but generally above freezing. Cave hibernation sites are often near entrances in well-ventilated areas. If temperatures near entrances become too extreme, they move to more thermally stable parts of the cave. They hibernate in tight clusters of a few to a hundred or more individuals. During hibernation, the long ears may be erect or coiled. Solitary bats sometimes hang by only one foot.
Ozark and Virginia big-eared bat maternity colonies are usually located in relatively warm parts of caves. During the maternity period, males are apparently solitary. Where most males spend the summer is unknown.
Mating begins in autumn and continues into winter. Young females apparently mate their first autumn. Sperm are stored during winter, and fertilization occurs shortly after arousal from hibernation. A single young is born during June.
Ozark and Virginia big-eared bat pups are large at birth, weighing nearly one-fourth as much as their mother. They can fly in 2-1/2 to three weeks and are weaned by six weeks. Record longevity for the species, based on recoveries of banded bats, is 16 years.
Ozark and Virginia big-eared bats emerge from caves to forage later than most bats. It is usually relatively dark before they leave. Observations indicate most return to roosts before midnight, although bats may leave or return throughout the night. They forage primarily near tree and shrub foliage. Food habits are poorly known, though moths apparently make up part of their diet.
No long distance migrations have been reported for this species. Banded
individuals have rarely been recovered more than 20 miles from the banding
site. Like many other bats, they return year after year to the same roost
sites.
Species Distribution from known occurrences. Species may occur in similar habitats in other counties.Green counties indicate observed within 20 years. Yellow counties indicate an obscure data reference to the species in the county. Red counties indicate observed more than 20 years ago.
Species Location Map based on information provided by the North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program.
For additional information regarding this Web page, contact Robert
Currie, in Asheville, NC, at robert_currie@fws.gov
Visit the North Carolina ES Homepage
Visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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