Alabama A&M researcher discovers new bat species in Alabama
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A researcher from Alabama A&M University has discovered a new bat species in Alabama. Dr. William Stone made the discovery earlier this month during the annual Alabama Bat Blitz at Cathedral Caverns in Scottsboro.
Here’s what to know:
New bat species discovered
During the annual Alabama Bat Blitz, Stone captured the first Eastern small-footed bat (Myotis leibii) ever recorded in Alabama. Before this discovery, the distribution of Myotis leibii was known in neighboring Tennessee and Georgia, but it had never been captured in Alabama.
The Eastern small-footed bat ranges from southern Ontario and Quebec in Canada to the mountainous eastern United States, from New England to northern Georgia.
“We finally caught a species assumed to be in the state but never actually captured during decades of surveys. In a time when many of our bat species are threatened by white-nose syndrome and habitat loss, it’s nice to add a new species to our state’s list.”
Dr. William Stone, Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology at Alabama A&M
Bats in Alabama
Alabama now has 16 confirmed bat species, including the new discovery. Three cave-dwelling species, primarily from the genus Myotis, are threatened or endangered, while others are of highest conservation concern.
Habitat conservation measures for the Eastern small-footed bat and other high-priority species will be implemented across northern Alabama with the aid of state and federally protected lands like Cathedral Caverns.
“For the University, this raises our stature as a land-grant institution with scientists making contributions in the forestry, ecology, and wildlife scientific disciplines. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is currently expanding their relationship with us to acquire more students and alumni as employees, and this discovery underscores what we can do on The Hill.”
Dr. William Stone, Alabama A&M University
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