Indiana Bat Graph

We received the following graph from Lori Pruitt, a recovery officer for the Indiana Bat,
of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. According to the information she sent to us,
this graph shows how well the Indiana bats are responding to not being disturbed
by people during their hibernation in Wyandotte Caves. It gives great hope for the
recovery of this bat as well as other bats who use caves for hibernation.

Look especially at the difference in numbers after the Steel Bar Gate was put
in place of the stone wall (1977) and especially after the winter tours were
stopped in 2003. The Indiana bat numbers increased dramatically after the
tours were terminated. The numbers of the Indiana bat have increased an
average of 16 percent every two years between 1991 and 2003. This is an
increase of a little over 2000 bats every two years. Within the next two years,
(2003-2005) the number of Indiana bats in Wyandotte during the winter
hibernation season increased to 54,913. This is an increase of 76 percent!
This is a big indication that when bats are left alone, and not disturbed
during hibernation, their numbers can increase. (see the graph below)

This graph was sent to us courtesy of Lori Pruitt,
recovery officer of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(our thanks to Lori Pruitt)

 

BACK TO BATS GRAPH PAGE
 

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References/Resources

This graph was sent to us by Lori Pruitt
of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service


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