About the project
The goal for this study is to enhance protection and management of habitat used by the tricolored bat and northern long eared bat by obtaining baseline data of presence, activity, and habitat use across the coastal Mississippi counties (Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson) and barrier islands (Horn and Cat Islands).
About the tricolored bat
(Perimyotis subflavus)
The tricolored bat (PESU) is the smallest bat species found in Mississippi and is known to roost in deciduous hardwood trees during the spring, summer and fall months. They are currently proposed to be listed on the Endangered Species Act (September 2023, USFWS).
Photo by Mandy Rigsby with MSU & Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant
About the northern long-eared bat
(Myotis septentrionalis)
The northern long-eared bat (MYSE) are known to use old-growth forest roosting within trees (cavities, exfoliating bark) in the summer, and are currently listed as endangered. The range of MYSE in Mississippi is presumed to have a more southern reach than originally recognized with the southernmost known record in Wilkinson County in 2017 (K. Cross, MDWFP) and as far south as Baldwin County in neighboring Alabama (Alabama Bat Working Group, 2023).
photo by Al Perdidiowma with MBWG
If PESU and MYSE presence is confirmed along the Mississippi coast and barrier islands, potential habitat areas can be identified and habitat use (i.e., roosting, foraging) can be investigated. This project is funded by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks State Wildlife Grant.
Contact Us:
Mandy Rigsby, Environmental Stewardship Specialist/Extension Associate
our Partner:
