Listing
Nov 9, 2009
Nov 9, 2009 Listing
Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice…
- Publication type: CNOR
Item 1
FWS Focus
Overview
Characteristics
Overview
Florida bonneted bats (Eumops floridanus) are endemic to south Florida, inhabiting the area south of Orlando to Miami, along both coasts. They are among the largest bats in the United States with wingspans of up to 20 inches. These bats have large, forward-facing ears that give them the appearance of wearing a bonnet. Florida bonneted bats are insectivores, capturing their prey while in flight.
Threats
The primary threats to this species include habitat destruction, fragmentation, and modification due to development and agriculture. Disease, small population size, climate change climate change
Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale.
Learn more about climate change effects, pesticide use, and restricted range also endanger these bats.
Scientific Name
Eumops floridanus
Common Name
Florida Bonneted Bat
FWS Category
Mammals
Identification Numbers
Characteristics
Characteristic category
Food
Characteristics
Food
Florida bonneted bats feed on flying insects such as beetles, flies, bugs, and moths. They stay active year-round, relying on a consistent food supply for their high metabolism.
Characteristic category
Physical Characteristics
Characteristics
Sound
Their echolocation calls fall within the lower frequency range (10-25 kilohertz), which humans can hear.
Size & Shape
Florida bonneted bats have large, rounded ears positioned in the middle of their heads, creating a bonnet-like appearance. Adults weigh 27 to 59 grams (~1 – 2.1 oz) with wings up to 20 inches long. Their long, narrow wings are well-suited for rapid, prolonged flight in open areas. The bat’s fur varies from black to brownish-gray or cinnamon brown, with paler fur on the underside. The hairs are bicolored, with lighter bases than tips.
Characteristic category
Life Cycle
Characteristics
Life Span
These bats live 10 to 20 years, with an average generation time of 5 to 10 years.
Reproduction
Florida bonneted bats breed year-round, with peak activity in April. Their average litter size is one pup.
Characteristic category
Habitat
Characteristics
Habitat
Florida bonneted bats forage in various open habitats, including pine and hardwood forests, agricultural areas, golf courses, and neighborhoods. They roost in natural pine tree cavities, under barrel roofing tiles, and in bat houses. These bats use forests, wetlands, open water, and even residential and urban areas.
Characteristic category
Behavior
Characteristics
Behavior
This species is highly social, roosting in small groups of around 12 individuals, with a dominant male and multiple females with their pups. Occasionally, groups of up to 50 individuals can be found, most likely due to limited roost availability.
Geography
Characteristics
Range
Found in south Florida, their core range includes Polk, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Monroe, and Miami-Dade counties. Recent data also show their presence in portions of Highlands, Okeechobee, Glades, Palm Beach, and Broward counties.
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Timeline
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