Why is the Virginia Big Eared Bat Endangered?

Posted on October 6, 2022 by virginia

The Virginia Big-Eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) is a subspecies of the Big-Eared bat, which is found in North America. The Virginia big-eared bat is found in only four states in the United States: Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The Virginia big-eared bat is a small bat, with a wingspan of only 8-10 inches. The body of this bat is brown or gray in color, with lighter fur on the underside. The ears of this bat are large and triangle-shaped, and the nose is long and narrow. This bat roosts in tree cavities, buildings, or other sheltered areas during the day. At night, it emerges to hunt for insects. The Virginia big-eared bat uses echolocation to navigate and find its prey.

The Virginia big-eared bat is an important species in its ecosystem. It plays a role in controlling the insect population, and it is also a food source for other animals such as owls and snakes. The biggest threat to the Virginia big-eared bat is habitat loss. This bat requires specific types of habitats in order to survive, and this habitat is being destroyed by development and other human activities. If this trend continues, the Virginia big-eared bat will likely become extinct. This is even more concerning due to the fact that the Virginia Big-Eared bat is listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Continue reading to learn more about the Virginia Big-Eared bat, including why its species is endangered and what we can do to protect local bat populations for the sake of our surrounding Eco-systems.

The Endangered Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big Eared Bat is an endangered species, and this is a problem for a few reasons. First, these bats are important for the ecosystem because they help control insect populations. Second, as a top predator in the food chain, the Virginia Big Eared Bat provides valuable nutrients to other animals further down the food chain Third, the Virginia Big Eared Bat is a keystone species, meaning that its populations have a large impact on the health of the ecosystem as a whole. Finally, the Virginia Big Eared Bat is an important part of our cultural heritage, and its loss would be a tragedy.

Endangerment Status

There are many reasons why the Virginia Big Eared Bat is endangered. Habitat loss is the biggest threat to these bats, as their natural roosting and foraging areas are being destroyed by development. Additionally, the Virginia Big Eared Bat is threatened by white-nose syndrome, a disease that has decimated bat populations across North America. Climate change is also a major threat to these bats, as it is changing the timing of their migration patterns and making their habitat less hospitable.

The loss of the Virginia Big Eared Bat would have a devastating impact on the ecosystem. These bats play an important role in controlling insect populations, and their loss would likely lead to an increase in insect-borne diseases. Additionally, the Virginia Big Eared Bat is a keystone species, meaning that its loss would have a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem. The Virginia Big Eared Bat is also an important part of our cultural heritage, and its loss would be a tragedy.

The Importance of Bat Conservation Efforts

We must do everything we can to save the Virginia Big Eared Bat. We need to protect their habitat and take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change. We also need to raise awareness about the importance of these bats and the dangers they face. Only by working together can we hope to save this important species.

If you are dealing with nuisance bats around your Virginia home or business, enlist the services of a licensed and insured bat removal and control company for safe and humane handling of these precious critters.

Are you having problems with nuisance bats around your house? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for fast and affordable bat removal services in Richmond, VA and its surrounding areas. We serve residential and commercial clients.

The 4 Federally Endangered Bats in Virginia

Posted on April 28, 2022 by virginia

There are several species of bat that are common to the Virginia state, from Little Brown bats and Big Brown bats to Northern Long-Eared bats, Hoary bats, Townsend’s Big-Eared bats, Eastern Red bats, Eastern Small-footed bats, Seminole bats, American Long-Eared bats, and many more. Of the 15 total bat species in Virginia, sadly, 4 are listed as Federally-protected or threatened.

Continue reading to learn more about the endangered bats of Virginia, and reasons why their species are in decline.

Bat Critter Control Service Virginia 804-729-9097

Endangered Bat Species in Virginia

Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus)

The Virginia big-eared bat was officially made our state bat 14 years ago. They range consists of eastern Kentucky, eastern West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, and northwestern North Carolina. As for their conservation status, the Virginia big-eared bat was categorized as an endangered species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 1979. This makes it strictly-protected under state and federal law. In better news, a recent report provided by a Loab’s ‘Conservation and Management of Eastern Big-Eared Bats’ study estimated that a 77% increase in their populations took place between 1983 and 2009.

Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)

The Gray bat was categorized as both federally and state-endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 1976. When initially placed on the endangered species list, there were an estimated 2 million Gray bats. Happily, through continuous and successful conservation efforts, they are now estimated to be around 2.3 million and counting.

Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii)

Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bats look so similar to our state bat, that they are often confused for one another! Sadly, Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bats are a state endangered bat and currently on the conservation list. The loss and degradation of their natural habitats is a top cause of the declining Rafinesque’s Big-Eared bat population.

Indiana Bat (Myotis solidalis)

The Indiana bat is a federally-protected, endangered species of bat. Sadly, there are less than 300,000 Indiana bats remaining in the United States today. During summer months, they roost in tree cavities and underneath dark bridges; but when winter arrives, Indiana bats start looking for warmer shelter, such as limestone caves, abandoned buildings, mines, and more.

Are you having problems with bats in the attic or chimney? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for prompt and professional bat removal and control services at the right price. We serve all of Virginia, including Roanoke, Midlothian, Fredericksburg, Glen Allen, and more.

The Journey of Lesser Long-Nosed Bats Conservation

Posted on May 24, 2019 by virginia

According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are currently 24 species of bat that listed as “Critically Endangered”, which means they are facing an exponential and impending risk of extinction. One interesting species that was once on this list is the Lesser Long-Nosed bat. Although previously listed as endangered, the Lesser Long-Nosed bat now faces more promising and brighter times.

Continue reading to learn more about the Lesser Long-Nosed bat, including its journey on the road to extinction and back.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 2 — The Lesser Long-Nosed Bat (left)

The Lesser Long-Nosed Bat
(Leptonycteris yerbabuenae)

Also known as the Sanborn’s long-nosed bat or the Mexican long-nosed bat, the Lesser Long-Nosed bat is a species that is most interesting to learn about. They are native to Central and North America, as they typically prefer warmer, tropical and sub-tropical climates being that they are fruit bats, or megabats. See our blog, “The Differences Between Megabats and Microbats” to understand megabats more.

Their diet mostly consists of fruit nectar and pollen, hence the moniker, “fruit” bats. In terms of their scientific name, they perfectly fit the description having long, narrow snouts and a small triangular nose-leaf. More on their appearance, they are small in size, reaching an average size of 3 inches and 25 grams. Also, they have short, grey-like fur, and long wings.

Federal Endangerment and Conservation

At the start of 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service suggested to remove the lesser long-nosed bat from the federal endangered species list. Back in 1988, the species was added to the list of federally-endangered species after noticeable declines in roosts became apparent in Arizona and Sonora. During the same time, it was guesstimated that there were only about 1,000 Lesser Long-Nosed bats alive, and fewer than 14 known roost sites.

The Great News

Today, there are more than 200,000 Lesser Long-Nosed bats living among 75 roost sites! How did this become possible? In addition to the fervent and rigorous monitoring, studying, researching, and intervention endeavors, the successful recovery of the Lesser Long-Nosed bat species has been largely due to the efforts made by several important interest groups and organizations, including scientists, biologists, non-governmental organizations, federal and state agencies, and believe it or not, even tequila producers in Mexico!

Their Importance and Their Decline

The top causes for the decline in Lesser Long-Nosed bat populations are largely due to over-developing land around their natural habitats, invasive grass species obstructing their source of food, and early harvesting of wild agave before it bloomed. Now you can see how all of the above-mentioned sources of conservation efforts contributed to their successful recovery.

Bats have a vital ecological importance, and subsequently, and economical importance, to our local communities. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged to be kind to bats, and appreciate all that they do for us. See our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn how to do your part. Although sometimes bats can become a nuisance to property owners, it is important to remember that it is not their fault. Instead, contact a local and trusted bat removal company for safe and humane assistance.

If Bats Become a Problem For Your Property

Sometimes bats can be a nuisance, even though they don’t mean to be. When this happens, trust a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for safe and humane bat abatement service at an affordable price. Contact Virginia Bat Pros today at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate or information about our services, prices, and more. We look forward to delivering affordable and long-lasting solutions for your bat problems!