| Gray bat | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Vespertilionidae |
| Genus: | Myotis |
| Species: | M. grisescens
|
| Binomial name | |
| Myotis grisescens A. H. Howell, 1909[4]
| |
| |
| Approximate range of the gray bat (2009) | |
The gray bat (Myotis grisescens) is a species of microbat endemic to North America. It once flourished in caves all over the southeastern United States, but due to human disturbance, gray bat populations declined severely during the early and mid portion of the 20th century. 95% of gray bats now hibernate in only 15 caves. M. grisescens has been listed as federally endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 1976,[3] and is protected under the Endangered Species Act.[2] Gray bat populations were estimated at approximately 2 million bats around the time they were placed on the Endangered Species list. By the early 1980s populations of gray bats dropped to 1.6 million. With conservation efforts in place, in 2004, gray bat populations were estimated to have reached 3.4 million.
- ^ Solari, S. (2018). "Myotis grisescens". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T14132A22051652. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T14132A22051652.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ a b "Gray bat (Myotis grisescens)". Environmental Conservation Online System. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Department. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
- ^ a b 41 FR 17736
- ^ "Myotis grisescens A. H. Howell, 1909". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2 June 2024.