INDIANA BAT Myotis sodalis (Miller and Allen) 



Order: CHIROPTERA Family: VESPERTILIONIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A medium-size myotis, closely resembling the little 

 brown bat (Myotis lucifugus ) but differing in coloration, the fur being a dull grayish 

 chestnut rather than bronze, with the basal portion of the hairs of the back dull lead 

 colored; coloration of underparts pinkish to cinnamon; hind feet smaller and more 

 delicate than in M. lucifugus; calcar strongly keeled. 



Present distribution : Midwest and Eastern United States from the western edge of 

 Ozark region in Oklahoma to central Vermont, to southern Wisconsin, and as far south 

 as northern Florida . Distribution is associated with major cavernous limestone areas 

 and areas just north of cave regions. (Hall, 1962: 7) 



Former distribution : Probably about the same, although there is evidence that many 

 caves within the range of the species have been abandoned since 1950. 



Status : Decreasing in numbers . 



Estimated numbers : About 500, 000 . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Usually a single young per season in late June. 



Reasons for decline : Commercialization of caves in which Indiana bats roost. Wanton 

 destruction of large numbers of Indiana bats by vandals (John S . Hall reported in 

 personal communication, 1965, that a few years ago two boys killed about 10,000 

 Myotis sodalis in Carter Cave, Kentucky, in just a few minutes) . Roosts being 

 disturbed by increasing numbers of spelunkers and others seeking recreation. 

 Disturbances during bat banding programs . Colonies frequently raided for laboratory 

 experimental animals. Insecticide poisoning may possibly be new threat. The species 

 has a fairly restricted geographic range and shows a high degree of aggregation in the 

 winter, when over 90 percent of the estimated population occurs in only four caves. 

 This high degree of aggregation makes the species very vulnerable. 



Protective measures already taken : American Society of Mammalogists appointed a 

 committee in the fall of 1963 to investigate the problem of reduction in bat populations; 

 resolution approved by American Society of Mammalogists on June 17, 1964, that 

 removal of bats from caves be discouraged except for scientific research and that 

 molestation of bats in roosts or other unnecessary disturbance be discontinued. 

 Construction of a gate across entrance to Carter Cave, Kentucky, where over 100,000 

 Myotis sodalis winter, to keep irresponsible persons from entering and destroying 

 bats . Comprehensive study of the life history and taxonomy of the species published 

 in 1962 by John S. Hall. Wyandotte Cave, a winter hibernating area, purchased by 

 Indiana Department of Natural Resources . 



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