Range-wide Indiana Bat and Northern Long-eared Bat Survey Guidelines

UPDATES: 

(March 20, 2026) 

2026 Survey Guidelines Document

Surveyors should follow this new version of the bat survey guidelines for planning presence/probable absence surveys. The document, as well as several other related documents, can be found below.

The 2026 version includes a number of changes, including:

• Streamlined Structure: The 2026 Survey Guidelines document has been reduced by nearly half of the size from previous versions, with the goal of improving flow, clarity and navigation for users. 
• DNA Collection: Inclusion of new instructions for DNA sample collection to help facilitate species identification, while reducing the need for intrusive wing biopsies.
• Western Species Identification: New language was added related to identification of western Myotis bat species. 

Reminder for Acoustic Surveys: Review approved software list BEFORE submitting study plan   

The Survey Guidance Team tests new software programs and new versions of currently approved programs and will continue to update the list of approved software on the Automated Acoustic Bat ID Software Programs page. Before submitting your study plan, please review the list of approved software programs and all associated footnotes if you are conducting acoustic presence/probable absence surveys in 2026.

Background

The Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) was originally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966 (32 FR 4001, March 11, 1967), and continues to be listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended. In 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) listed the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) as threatened under the ESA and in 2022 the Service reclassified the northern long-eared bat as an endangered species. This survey protocol provides the Service's recommended guidance on survey methods and outlines additional reporting requirements for surveyors for Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat.

Range-wide Indiana Bat/Northern long-eared bat Survey Guidelines:

• Current Survey Guidelines Document
• Current Survey Guidelines FAQ
• Previous Survey Guidelines FAQ versions
• Automated Acoustic Bat ID Software Programs
• Methods to Establish Recommended Minimum Summer Survey Effort: White Papers

Fillable Forms and Datasheets

• Study Plan Form (revised March 20, 2026)
• Bat Mist Netting Datasheet
• Bat Emergence Datasheet
• Bat Roost Datasheet
• Bridge and Culvert Bat Assessment Form
• Fall/Spring Survey Form for Potential Hibernaculum
• Potentially Suitable Hibernaculum Assessment Form
• Bat Summer/Year Round Habitat Assessment Form

Other Bat Survey-related Information:

• Glossary of Acoustic Bat Survey Terms
• Information on Submittal of Listed-Bat Survey Data, FAQ, and Submittal Spreadsheets
• Recommendations for documenting qualifications when applying for federally-listed bat (10(a)(1)(A)) Recovery Permit