Western Long-eared Myotis – State Wildlife Action Plan

Western Long-eared Myotis

Photo is needed for this SGCN.

Western long-eared myotis are small bats with yellowish to darker brown fur, with brown patches on the shoulders and pale undersides. The ears are long with dark membranes that contrast the lighter fur. The flight membranes are also dark.

Overview

  • Species Common Name Western Long-eared Myotis
  • Species Scientific Name Myotis evotis
  • State Listing Status Sensitive (pending)

Ecoregions

    Special needs

    Western long-eared myotis occupy a wide range of habitat types and roosting structures, including large trees and snags, caves and mines, and cliffs, and prefer to forage for insects near water.

    Limiting factors

    The primary threat to western long-eared myotis is habitat loss and degradation, particularly the loss of large trees and snags. Like other bats, this species is sensitive to disturbance at roost sites. Widespread pesticide use may be impacting availability of the species’ insect prey. White-nose syndrome has been detected in this species in neighboring Washington State.

    Conservation actions

    • Protect known roost sites and reduce disturbance.
    • Retain groupings of large diameter conifer snags with loose bark, stumps, and downed logs in close proximity to water sources for maternity roosting.
    • Maintain intact riparian habitats and their water quality.
    • Continue surveillance for white-nose syndrome.
    • Follow most recent decontamination protocols to prevent spread of the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, Pseudogymnoascus destructans

    Key reference or plan

    North American Bat Monitoring Program in the Pacific NW. Read here