Yuma Myotis – State Wildlife Action Plan

Yuma Myotis

Photo is needed for this SGCN.

The Yuma myotis is a small, insectivorous bat species found in the western United States, northern Mexico, and parts of Central America. Its fur is darker on the back with a lighter, pale underside. The Yuma myotis has small ears characteristic of myotis bats, which helps it detect and hunt insects using echolocation. This bat is nocturnal, becoming active and foraging just after sunset, and is most active at dusk and dawn.

Overview

  • Species Common Name Yuma Myotis
  • Species Scientific Name Myotis yumanensis
  • State Listing Status Sensitive (pending)

Ecoregions

    Special needs

    Yuma myotis occupy a wide range of habitats and roosting structures. Roosts can include caves, bridges, or other anthropogenic structures. Yuma myotis are often found near bodies of water, such as rivers, streams, and ponds where they feed on aquatic emergent insects, moths, small beetles, and flies.

    Limiting factors

    The most significant threat to Yuma myotis is loss or disturbance of roosting habitat, hibernacula, and maternity sites. Loss and degradation of riparian habitats is also a threat, as well as changing climate conditions leading to reduced water availability, particularly in more arid parts of the species’ range. White-nose syndrome has been detected in this species in neighboring Washington State.

    Conservation actions

    • Protect known hibernacula, maternity colonies, and roost sites to reduce disturbance.
    • Manage for healthy, diverse riparian habitats and water quality.
    • Maintain large trees near open water.
    • 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