Size
Largest species of bat in Florida, about the size of a chipmunk
Reproduction
Low reproduction capacity, gives birth to only 1 pup per breeding season
Diet
Insectivorous; Feeds on insects protecting our crops and lowering pesticide use
Wingspan
20″
Habitat
Their habitat is pine tree cavities, bat houses or underneath the tile roofs of homes in residential neighborhoods or businesses. Loss of habitat is their biggest threat, from destruction of natural roost sites to natural disasters such as hurricanes.
Conserve America’s rarest bat and its globally imperiled ecosystem
- Common Name
- Florida Bonneted Bat
- Scientific Name
- Eumops floridanus
- Status
- Federally Endangered
- Location
- South Florida
Project Details
The Florida Bonneted Bat (Eumops floridanus) is the rarest bat in the United States. This species has suffered habitat loss due to rapid land development and climate change, which increases the intensity and frequency of storms, reducing natural roost availability. As a consequence, the species’ population has been in decline for decades. Natural roosts are known in only a few locations across South Florida. In collaboration with Zoo Miami and Florida Power and Light, we will lead key research to understand species distribution, foraging habits, and diet in the urban environment. We’ll also build, monitor, and maintain specially designed artificial roosts for Florida Bonneted Bats in Miami to increase roost availability. To increase the roost search effort within greater Miami, we will increase awareness around species conservation to include the community in our efforts and locate new roosts.
For more information visit www.FloridaBonnetedBat.org.
To learn more about our efforts to protect the Florida bonneted bat from Water Park, Hotel, and Retail development in Miami, CLICK HERE.
Solution-Oriented Research
- Identify habitat areas that are prime for roosting sites
- Understand the diet of urban-based Florida Bonneted Bats
- Understand how noise and light pollution impact bat populations
- Understand Florida bonneted bat distribution and habitat used in urban environments by establishing a long-term acoustic monitoring network
Dustin Smith
Build Community Support
- Increase awareness of #ourendangeredneighbor in the Miami-Dade community
- Help the public understand how everyday activities can impact structures where these amazing creatures roost
- Generate support for specially designed bat houses in public spaces
- Conserve open foraging space
Establish Safe Roosts
- Work with multiple stakeholders, including the local community, to protect existing roosts
- Research new bat house designs for Florida bonneted bats
- Reduce everyday disturbances and decrease conflicts with homeowners by installing specially designed bat houses
Miami BatLab Report: 2019-2021
Read the report and get the full scope of how we worked with our partners to support the Endangered population of Florida bonneted bats.