2025 MURAL SPECIES!
northern
long-eared bat
Ojibwe: Paakwaanaashiinh
Latin: Myotis septentrionalis
STATUS:
US STATUS: LT - Listed Threatened
MI STATUS: E - Endangered (Legally Protected)
ARTIST:
KEYA TAMA
Keya Tama is a South African artist based in New York. Inspired by contrasting the past and present, Keya's practice explores recurring themes that combine ancient and contemporary iconography, family and community, mono-myths, and minimalism.His work has been the focus of numerous exhibitions and mural projects including the Cartoon Network Gallery, Los Angeles; The Museum of Anthropology, Canary Islands; and Subliminal Projects, Los Angeles, among others. Tama currently lives and works in New York.
Find more of Keya’s work here!
EDUCATOR:
MICHIGAN NATURAL FEATURES INVENTORY
The Michigan Natural Features Inventory has been generating and disseminating the highest quality scientific information on the location and condition of Michigan's rare species and habitats for more than 40 years; as a program of Michigan State University Extension since 2000.
Our team of experts in ecology, botany, zoology, and aquatic zoology conduct research and field surveys of rare vascular plants and animals (insects, mammals, birds, mussels, snails, reptiles, amphibians, and fish), as well as rare and/or high quality natural communities.
We also research issues related to biodiversity conservation and provide that information and consultation to a wide variety of decision makers, practitioners, and the public.
As stewards of the Michigan Natural Heritage Database, one of more than 80 programs in the international NatureServe network, we provide the most authoritative, comprehensive and up-to-date scientific information available to guide conservation of Michigan’s biodiversity.
Visit our Northern Long-eared Bat mural in downtown Grand Rapids at 56 Front Avenue NW!
Description:
Northern long-eared bat fur ranges from medium to dark brown dorsally and tawny to pale brown ventrally. As its name implies, the key distinguishing feature of the northern long-eared bat is the presence of a long outer ear that tapers to a rounded or pointed tip. When laid forward, the pinna extends 1/3 cm or more beyond the nose. The bat also has a long, slender tragus that is more than half the length of the pinna. Northern long-eared bats are a medium-sized bat with body length of 7.6 to 9.4 cm and a wingspan of 22.9 to 26.7 cm. Forearm length ranges from 3.3 to 3.5 cm and body mass ranges between 4.9 to 7.9 grams.
Habitat and Occurrence
If you’re looking to find a Northern Long-eared Bat for yourself, check within the following ecosystems within the green counties on the map!
All information on this page is generously provided by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI). For more information about Northern Long-eared Bats - visit the species description here: mnfi.anr.msu.edu/northern-long-eared-bat. To learn more about Michigan’s biodiversity, ecological communities and natural heritage, visit mnfi.anr.msu.edu
get involved with northern
long-eared bat conservation!
While there are currently no Community Science projects specifically operating to benefit the preservation of Northern Long-eared Bats in Michigan, there are many organizations who work to protect the habitats where it resides! Volunteer with some of these organizations and help protect the habitat that Northern Long-eared Bats need in order to survive.
report an observation
MNFI stewards the Michigan Natural Heritage Database and track observations of some of Michigan’s rarest forms of life to fully understand the population and range of rare species to protect biodiversity in Michigan. If you have encountered a Northern Long-eared Bat, you can share the location information with these trusted conservation professionals here: mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/report