Pallid Bat

A pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) flying at night near Sulphur Springs, high-desert habitat, Washington. Photo Credit: Michael Durham, https://www.flickr.com/photos/oregonwild/

Overview

  • Species Common Name Pallid Bat
  • Species Scientific Name Antrozous pallidus
  • Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

    Special needs

    Pallid bats are found in dry, open habitat. They use crevices in cliffs, caves, mines, or bridges (and sometimes, buildings) for day, night, or maternity roosts, or hibernacula. In some areas, they use snags as day roosts. Pallid bats prefer grassland, shrub-steppe, and dry forest ecotones for foraging. They also associate with open-water sites within the landscape.

    Limiting factors

    Pallid bats are patchily distributed and have low reproductive rates. They are sensitive to disturbance at roosts. Loss of low-elevation, dry ecosystems (native grasslands, shrub-steppe, and open ponderosa pine woodlands) to development, and loss of ponderosa pine snags, may be key limiting factors.

    Conservation actions

    Use gates and seasonal closures to protect known roost sites during sensitive times (raising young and hibernation). Maintain open-water sources in dry landscapes. Manage rock features, such as cliffs, to avoid conflict with recreational use and rock removal. Complete bridge replacement and maintenance when bats are absent. Maintain large pine snags in shrub-steppe/forest ecotones. Maintain and restore native grassland, shrub-steppe, and open ponderosa pine habitat.

    Key reference or plan

    ISSSSP Bat Grid Monitoring – Oregon and Washington