EMOPS FLORIDANUS

Eumops floridanus  Florida bonneted bat (Molossidae)  Eumops floridanus Florida bonneted bat  Family Name: Molossidae Genus: Eumops Species Name: floridanus  Pronunciation: you-mops floree-dan-us  Common Name: Florida bonneted bat

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The Florida bonneted bat is Florida's largest and rarest bat and may be one of the most critically endangered mammals in North America. Surveys have documented this bat in only nine locations in four southern Florida counties. Habitat loss due to rapid urbanization and heavy pesticide use are believed responsible for the rapid decline of their populations in the 1950s and 1960s. Biologists estimate the entire population of Florida bonneted bats may be less than a few hundred individuals and expect continued declines based on continued urbanization and pesticide use in Florida.

With a wingspan of up to 18 3/4 inches and weight of 37-47g, it is about 70 percent bigger than the Mexican free-tailed bat. Florida bonneted bats (formerly known as Wagner's mastiff bats) inhabit semitropical forests and have been documented roosting singly or in small colonies in a variety of locations, including limestone outcroppings, tree hollows, bat houses, chimneys and in Spanish tile roofs.