Spotted bat (Euderma maculatum) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

COSEWIC Assessment Summary

Assessment Summary – May 2004

Common name : Spotted bat

Scientific name : Euderma maculatum

Status : Special Concern

Reason for designation : In Canada, this species occurs in the intermontane grasslands of southern British Columbia. It is a distinctively coloured bat that is unmistakable to identify. Unlike any other Canadian species of bat, its echolocation call is within the range of human hearing. It roosts in crevices in large cliff faces. It is considered the easiest and best censused species of bat in Canada. Population estimates, based on relatively good census effort, suggests that there are fewer than 1000 adults. At this time, numbers appear to be stable, and there are relatively few threats to populations or habitats. Perhaps the biggest threat to this species is its small population size. Use of pesticides on its prey, loss of foraging habitat, and disturbance at roosting sites by rock climbers are potential threats. Rescue may be possible from neighbouring populations in the United States, however, movements of individuals between Canadian and US populations are not documented.

Occurrence : British Columbia

Status history : Designated Special Concern in April 1988 and in May 2004. Last assessment based on an update status report.

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