Forest Bats: Population Trends, Regulatory Developments, and Implications. NCASI Northern Regional Meeting May 2014

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1 Forest Bats: Population Trends, Regulatory Developments, and Implications NCASI Northern Regional Meeting May 2014

2 Outline Population trends Regulatory developments The northern long eared bat The proposed rule Interim USFWS guidance Implications for forestry and wood supplies NCASI technical comments 2

3 Population Trends White nose syndrome Significant population declines for some bats Caused by a fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), which infects skin of the muzzle, ears, and wings of hibernating bats DNA analysis suggests that this is a non native fungus that is invasive in North America Hypothesized to disrupt torpor causing untimely consumption of stored fat reserves 3

4 White nose Syndrome Diagnostic symptoms Visible white fungal growth on the bat s muzzle, ears, tail, or wings (not a reliable indicator) Abnormal behaviors in hibernacula Bats flying outside during the day in temperatures at or below freezing Bats clustered near the entrance of hibernacula Caves or mines with the fungus often have dead or dying bats on the ground 4

5 Credit: Nancy Heaslip 5

6 Credit: U.S. Geological Survey Credit: US Geological Survey 6

7 White nose Syndrome Source: 7

8 White nose Syndrome Species confirmed with diagnostic symptoms Species MI MN WI Big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) X X X Eastern small footed bat (Myotis leibii) Gray bat (M. grisescens) Indiana bat (M. sodalis) X Little brown bat (M. lucifugus) X X X Northern long eared bat (M. septentrionalis) X X X Tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) X X X 8

9 White nose Syndrome Species with Pd fungus but no symptoms Species MI MN WI Cave bat (Myotis velifer) Southeastern bat (M. austroriparius) Silver haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) X X X Virginia big eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) 9

Regulatory Developments The northern long eared bat timeline Jan 2010 : CBD petitions USFWS to list the species Jun 2011: USFWS issues 90 day finding Oct 2013:

10 Regulatory Developments The northern long eared bat timeline Jan 2010 : CBD petitions USFWS to list the species Jun 2011: USFWS issues 90 day finding Oct 2013: USFWS proposes endangered status Jan 2014: USFWS issues interim conference and planning guidance Oct 2014: Listing decision expected Source: blog.cleveland.com 10

11 The Northern Long eared Bat 11

12 The Northern Long eared Bat Winter Hibernates in caves, mines, buildings, etc. Summer Day roosts in tall trees and snags Night roosts in caves, rock shelters, buildings, etc. Nursery colonies under bark, shingles, in buildings Forage in a variety of forest conditions, e.g., below the canopy, forest openings, along edges and streams Fall Congregate in forests near hibernacula 12

13 The Proposed Rule Potential threats identified Modifications to cave and mine entrances Human disturbance of hibernating bats Wind energy development Forest clearing for mining, well pads, etc. Climate change Timber harvesting Other 13

14 The Proposed Rule no other threat is as severe and as immediate...as the disease, white nose syndrome Conclusions about potential threats unrelated to white nose syndrome No significant effects alone or in combination When combined with the significant population reductions due to WNS, the resulting cumulative effect may further adversely impact the species. 14

15 The Proposed Rule Activities that may be considered take Unauthorized removal or destruction of trees and other structures being used as roosts that results in take of the species. Unauthorized destruction or modification of summer habitat in ways that cause harm, e.g., unauthorized pesticide spraying unauthorized destruction or modification of summer habitat, e.g., forests 15

16 Interim USFWS Guidance Intended for use in conferences and consultation should there be a listing Suggests constraints / conservation measures Near hibernacula (5 mi radius) In known or potential summer habitat 1.5 miles from roost tree 3.0 miles from capture or acoustic detection During migration (5 168 mi, often mi) 16

17 Implications Constraints / conservation measures with implications for forestry (interim guidance) The definition of suitable summer habitat Surveys to document presence/absence Protection of hibernacula and surrounding habitat Protection of actual and potential roost trees Protection of key parts of home ranges Seasonal constraints on management activities 17

18 Implications Examples of actions affecting summer habitat that may be considered to result in take (interim guidance) Permanent or temporary removal of forest habitat Prescribed fire / burning Forestry practices altering key areas of home ranges Removal of occupied man made roosting structures Uses of pesticides and herbicides that expose NLEBs or reduce prey Loss of clean water sources 18

19 Implications Examples of conservation measures in summer maternity habitat (interim guidance) Retain and avoid impacting potential roost trees, which includes live or dead trees and snags 3 inches dbh that have exfoliating bark, cracks, crevices, or cavities Avoid reducing the suitability of forest patches with known NLEB use Maintain or improve forest patches and forested connections (e.g., hedgerows, riparian corridors) between patches 19

20 Implications Examples of conservation measures in summer maternity habitat (interim guidance) Do not clear maternity colony summer habitat during the summer maternity season to avoid direct effects to females (pregnant, lactating, and post lactating) and juveniles (non volant and volant) 20

21 NCASI Technical Comments Population trends for the NLEB are not the same everywhere Availability of forest habitat is not limiting to the NLEB Forest management activities do not adversely affect or limit NLEB populations (have been documented in variety of managed forests) A diverse landscape will be required to support all bat species 21

22 Discussion Credit: Al Hicks 22

Early Scoping for Proposed Application for Incidental Take Permit and Habitat

Early Scoping for Proposed Application for Incidental Take Permit and Habitat This document is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on 11/12/2013 and available online at http://federalregister.gov/a/2013-26950, and on FDsys.gov Billing Code 4310 55 DEPARTMENT OF THE