Townsend's Big-eared Bat
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Corynorhinus townsendii
Scientific name translation: "Club-nosed", "Of the name–Townsend" |
Description
Townsend's big-eared bats have the longest ears of any bat in South Dakota. When their ears are laid back they can extend to the middle of their body. Their face is also marked by two large lumps on either side of their nose. C. townsendii have a head and body length that ranges from 47–59 mm, tail length that ranges from 45–55 mm, approximate ear length of 34mm, and forearm length ranges from 40–47 mm.
Distribution
This species is found within western desert scrublands and coniferous forests, they mainly occupy the western portion of South Dakota and are frequently found roosting and hibernating in the Black Hills National Forest.
Ecology
Townsend's big-eared bats are a cave obligate, relying on natural caves or cave-like structures (e.g., mines) for both summer roosting and hibernation. This species is one of the most sensitive bats in North America, as they are susceptible to cave and mine disturbances. C. townsendii are difficult to detect using acoustic detectors because they are considered a "whispering" bat.
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