Canyon Bat – State Wildlife Action Plan

Canyon Bat

Photo is needed for this SGCN.

The canyon bat (known formerly as the as the western pipistrelle) is a small, insectivorous bat that roosts in crevices in rock faces, caves, mines, and possibly cracks or rodent holes found amongst rocks and boulder fields. The species is thought to be non-migratory.

Overview

  • Species Common Name Canyon Bat
  • Species Scientific Name Parastrellus hesperus
  • State Listing Status Sensitive (pending)

Ecoregions

    Special needs

    Canyon bats are small, insectivorous bats that inhabit deserts, woodlands, and shrublands and roost among boulders, or in cracks and crevices of rock faces. They are highly associated with canyon and cliff habitat and are also found in caves and mines. Foraging occurs in a variety of habitats, including canyons, along cliffs, in riparian zones, and over lava beds. Canyon bats are weak fliers, so foraging habitat in close proximity to roosts sites is an important component of suitable habitat for this species.

    Limiting factors

    Canyon Bats are threatened by the loss of foraging habitat near roost sites due to development and land use changes. The species is also likely susceptible to white-nose syndrome.

    Conservation actions

    •Retain shrub-steppe and other suitable foraging areas near canyon bat roosting habitat.
    • Continue white-nose syndrome surveillance.
    • 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