During summer mist net surveys in 2006, three Rafinesque’s big-eared bats were captured along Hurricane Creek near an old maternity site that had recently burned down in 2005. All bats captured were lactating females, one of which was a recapture from banding efforts in June 2001 at the maternity site. These captures suggest that a maternity colony still exists in the area. In an effort to mitigate for the loss of the maternity roost and ensure continued existence of big-eared bats in the area the US Forest Service (USFC) has provided funds for materials to construct a cinderblock roost structure on USFS land near the old maternity site. So we are hopeful that after the structure is built big-eared bats will take up residence and form a maternity colony within.

The Rafinesque’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii rafinesquii) is considered uncommon or rare throughout most of its range, federally listed as a species of special concern, and classified as threatened in North Carolina. This particular species is typically associated with mature bottomland hardwood forest in close proximity to a permanent water source. Throughout this bats range, documented summer roosts primarily consist of large hollow trees and abandoned man-made structures. Where as, caves and/or mines provide hibernacula sites in the winter.

Rafinesque’s big-eared bat populations are known or suspected to be declining in some portions of its range. Researchers most frequently cite potential causes to be loss of habitat and disturbance particularly at roosts and/or foraging areas. It is thought that distribution and abundance are limited by the availability of adequate roost sites (Kunz 1982). Therefore, conservation of this species may be dependent on availability of adequate roosts.

Bat fact sheet (pdf .99mb)