Fringed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes pahasapensis): Species Conservation Assessment

Authors

Melissa J. Panella, Nebraska Game and Parks CommissionFollow

Date of this Version

10-2013

Citation

Fringed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes pahasapensis) A Species Conservation Assessment for The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project. Prepared by Melissa J. Panella, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Wildlife Division, October 2013

Abstract

The primary goal in development of at-risk species conservation assessments is to compile biological and ecological information that may assist conservation practitioners in making decisions regarding the conservation of species of interest. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project recognizes the fringed myotis (Myotis thysanodes pahasapensis) as a Tier I at-risk species. Provided are some general management recommendations regarding the fringed myotis. Conservation practitioners will need to use professional judgment to make specific management decisions based on objectives, location, and a multitude of variables. This resource was designed to share available knowledge of the fringed myotis that will aid in the decision-making process or in identifying research needs to benefit the species. Species conservation assessments will need to be updated as new scientific information becomes available. Though the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project focuses efforts in the state’s Biologically Unique Landscapes (BULs), it is recommended that whenever possible, practitioners make considerations for a species throughout its range in order to increase the success of conservation efforts.

Criteria for selection as Tier I G2

Trends since 2005 in NE Unknown

Range in NE Pine forests in panhandle, including the Pine Ridge, Wildcat Hills, and Pine Bluffs area

Habitat Ponderosa pine forests and woodlands, green ash-elm-cottonwood woodlands, cliffs and buttes

Threats Unknown

Climate Change Vulnerability Index: Moderately vulnerable (NatureServe 2013)

Research/Inventory Conduct surveys to assess distribution and abundance; identify maternal roost and winter hibernacula habitat requirements; track movement patterns using telemetry

Landscapes Pine Ridge, Wildcat Hills, and possibly other BULs in the panhandle

According to the last review in 1996, the fringed myotis has a state Heritage status rank of S1, U.S. national status of N2, and global conservation rank of G4G5T2 (NatureServe 2009). The species is considered to be imperiled (NatureServe 2009). The Nebraska Natural Legacy Science Team set a goal of maintaining at least seven populations in the state (Schneider et al. 2011).