BCI fully supports using the full power of the Endangered Species Act to protect the Northern long-eared bat. Listing this bat as Endangered is critically needed.
11.29.22
Statement by Dr. Winifred Frick, Chief Scientist of Bat Conservation International on the Reclassification Decision for Northern Long-Eared Bat
“Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) reclassified the Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) as an Endangered species. Bat Conservation International (BCI) fully supports using the full power of the Endangered Species Act to protect the Northern long-eared bat. Listing this bat as Endangered is critically needed.
The Northern long-eared bat was once common throughout the eastern United States, but its population has been negatively impacted by White-nose Syndrome – a debilitating disease that affects hibernating bats.
BCI was part of the team working with the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) to provide the USFWS with the critical data needed to assess the status of the species and inform the decision.
Protection under the Endangered Species Act is the wake-up call that galvanizes our focus on the conservation actions needed to save and recover this species. Only by working together will we save this species from extinction.”