Townsend's Big-eared Bat
Townsend's Big-eared Bat
Corynorhinus townsendii
Corynorhinus townsendii
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Population, Conservation Status, Threats:
Considered least concern by the IUCN on the basis of large and widely-distributed populations. However, destruction and disturbance of roost sites, as well as pesticide use, both pose major threats to these bats. White nose syndrome is also a potential threat - while the causative fungus has been found on Townsend's big-eared bats, there have been no clinical reports of the syndrome in this species yet.
Physical Description:
A medium-sized species of bat, with a wingspan of just over a foot. Their titular ears are half as long as their entire body, and they are easily distinguished from other species by the large fleshy bumps to either side of their nose.
Overall range of Townsend's big-eared bat from Montana Field Guide. Distribution of bat species is often hard to track due to their cryptic nature and migratory patterns. Townsend's big-eared bats range from the southern half of British Columbia in Canada down the west coast through Mexico, and up to just east of the continental divide.
Habitat:
Caves, or cave-like roosting locations, are necessary for Townsend's big-eared bats, not only used for winter hibernation but for daily roosting and seasonal reproduction as well. Unlike many bat species, they prefer large open spaces to roost in, rather than tucking themselves into crevices. Abandoned mines and large buildings, hollow trees, tunnels, and bridges, may be utilized by Townsend's big-eared bats.
Behavior:
Like most bats, they are nocturnal, though Townsend's big-eared bats tend to begin flight activity at a later time of night than other species. The echolocation calls they use to detect prey and obstacles mid-air is softer and quieter than that of other bats.
Diet:
Townsend's big-eared bats are obligate insectivores, moths making up the majority - up to 90% - of their diet.
Reproduction:
Mating occurs during the fall and winter, during intermittent waking periods in hibernation. In the spring, females form maternity colonies consisting of up to 100 individuals. Gestation lasts anywhere from 56 to 100 days, and only one pup is produced. After three weeks, the young are able to fly - after about two months, the young leave their mothers. Females are capable of reproduction at four months, while males take at least a year to reach sexual maturity.
Associated Species:
Moths are frequently predated upon by Townsend's big-eared bats, who specialize in lepidopterans. They also share territory and a resemblance to spotted bats and pallid bats, and may be mistaken for one another.
Illustration by Willow Sedam
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