Status review of the little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) and determination that immediate listing under the Endangered Species Act is scientifically and legally warranted

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The little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) was once considered a common bat species because of its wide distribution, conspicuous maternity colonies, and relatively stable population status. However, emerging evidence recently published in one of the world’s leading peer-reviewed scientific journals, Science, conclusively demonstrates that the species is in sharp decline due to the rapidly spreading white-nose syndrome (WNS) that has already resulted in several local extirpations and that is ultimately expected to cause regional and likely rangewide extinction of the little brown myotis in a very short ecological time frame (Frick et al. 2010b). Specifically, this paper projects that regional species extinction will likely occur, with 99% certainty, in or before 2026 (Frick et al. 2010b)—eliminating at least the core northeastern range of the species, which clearly constitutes a significant portion of the species’ range in terms of population numbers, geographical distribution, resiliency, and habitat composition. The emerging science paints a grim picture of a once-healthy population being driven to extinction in a precipitous and unprecedented manner. In light of the need for an immediate response to the WNS crisis, we have conducted this status review to analyze the best available scientific evidence regarding the continued viability of the little brown myotis in its core northeastern range and throughout its entire range in North America, in light of a continental-scale pandemic. Based on the study referenced above and other available data on WNS and its effects on the little brown myotis, we have concluded in this status review that extinction is virtually certain to occur in the core range of this species by 2026, and rangewide extinction may very well follow based on known and predicted infection dynamics of WNS. Accordingly, this status review concludes, after applying the best available science to the legal and regulatory requirements of the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”), 16 U.S.C. §§ 1531- 1544, that an endangered listing is warranted because the species is in imminent danger of extinction throughout a critical and significant portion of its range (the northeastern U.S), and is likely in danger of extinction throughout its entire range. Id. § 1533(a)(1). In addition, because of the immediacy and magnitude of the exigent WNS threat posed to the little brown myotis, this pandemic argues in favor of an emergency listing under the ESA while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS or Service) conducts its own species status assessment. Id. § 1533(b)(7).

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ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Mammals

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation:
Kunz TH, Reichard JD. 2010. Status review of the Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus) and determination that immediate listing under the Endangered Species Act is scientifically and legally warranted. Boston (MA): Boston University, Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology. 30 p. [accessed 2016 Feb 02]. http://httwww.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/bat_crisis_white-nose_sy....

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