Spotted bat (Euderma maculatum) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 9
Special Significance of the Species
The Spotted Bat is one of three western North American bat species that is confined to the intermontane grasslands of British Columbia in Canada. The audible, low frequency echolocation calls that can be detected without the aid of electronic bat detectors make this bat an ideal research species. Because its low frequency echolocation calls are inaudible to many moth species, it has been used as a model for studying the co-evolution of predator-prey tactics among moths and bats. Monitoring the audible echolocation calls also provides an effective but simple tool for population inventories. Although one of the most spectacular members of the Canadian mammal fauna, paradoxically few biologists or naturalists have actually observed this animal in the wild because of its nocturnal activity and cliff-dwelling habits. Nevertheless, its audible echolocation calls make it an ideal species for educational programs that promote bat awareness and conservation.
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