Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
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Ozark Big-Eared Bat

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Cherokee Nation officials recently arranged to establish a conservation area to protect a colony of rare bats, which are currently on the endangered species list. The area was established to protect a colony of the endangered Ozark Big-Eared bat, considered by wildlife and conservation officials as the second rarest animal in the United States behind the California Condor. There are estimated to be only about 2,000 in existence, with the majority of them living within the Cherokee Nation.

Declared endangered on the Federal Register in November, 1979, the Ozark Big-Eared bat is considered by wildlife and conservation officials as the second rarest animal in the United States, behind the California Condor. There are estimated to be only about 2,000 in existence, with the majority of them living within the Cherokee Nation. The colony was found on the property of a tribal citizen within the jurisdiction of the Cherokee Nation.

“Some wildlife experts have claimed this to be the find of the year,” said Cherokee Nation Natural Resource Specialist Pat Gwin. “Some people study these bats their entire careers without ever seeing one in person.”

Tribal officials found the colony when they were contacted by a tribal citizen who wanted their opinion on property. Upon inspection of the area, officials explored the caves located on the property and found the colony of bats housed within.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials were called to the scene, and their recommendation was to preserve the portion of the land around the caves as a conservation area. When conservation efforts from the U.S. fell through, the government of the Cherokee Nation came to the rescue.

Gwin said that it was impressive that the Cherokee Nation government “stepped up to the plate” and protected the area when U.S. efforts failed.

“The protection of our natural resources and our wildlife is something that is important to all of us as Cherokee citizens and as a government,” Gwin said.

The Ozark Big-Eared bat has no tolerance for disturbance by other animals, including humans who may accidentally disturb them during cave exploration. If the bats are disturbed during hibernation, they burn much of their stored fat resources and could literally starve prior to the arrival of warm spring weather, when they can begin feeding again.

Wildlife officials say the best way to protect the bat is to preserve its habitat, with caves being designated as wildlife refuge areas, where they can live protected from predators, pollution, development and human contact.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org