Bats are endangered - In spite of all the benefits of bats, they are endangered. 40% of all bat species in the U.S. are Endangered. When one hears of the 20 million free-tailed bats living in Bracken Cave in Central Texas, it is difficult to imagine them at risk. Yet, one colony of 30 million bats in Arizona was reduced by 99% in just 6 years. While bats are at risk for many reasons, it is the loss of habitat and vandalism that most affects bat populations in the United States.

South Dakota Bat Working Group
Last update December, 2014

Research concerning bat houses in SD

Return to the 'How to build a bat house page'

 Return to the 'Bat research projects in SD page'

Bat biologist Joel Tigner and graduate student Sarah Lewis have been collaborating with South Dakota Game Fish and Parks to assess the environmental and physiographic factors that may influence the occupancy of bat houses in SD.

Three different bat house designs were each tested at 26 sites across South Dakota: Eurobox, BCI-maternity box, & the Rocketbox.

Shadehill
Sarah following installation of bat houses at Shadehill RA.
Photo by Joel Tigner

 

While research has shown bat houses can take several years to become inhabited, 21 of the 30 houses put up West River were occupied in the first summer following installation! Three sites showed evidence of housing maternity colonies in one or more boxes. Of the remaining 48 East River and Missouri River houses, 9 Rocketboxes were occupied in the first season.

 

 
kaitfers ranch
All three designs at the Kaitfers Ranch in Ralph, SD


This initial occupancy of 38% indicates a bright future in the use of bat houses for insect control and wildlife observation for South Dakotans in years to come!


Rocketbox with SM2 detector
attached at Lake Louise RA

 

 
 


Report all dead links/images to Scott.Pedersen@Bathead.com