Conservation Status and What It Means for Landowners
Federal Status: Proposed Endangered
The tricolored bat is proposed for federal endangered listing by the USFWS due to catastrophic population declines from white-nose syndrome. Texas does not currently carry a state listing, but the species is a TPWD Species of Greatest Conservation Need. If federally listed, landowners with occupied habitat may face ESA regulatory requirements. Proactively managing for this species in your wildlife plan positions your property ahead of potential regulatory changes.
Habitat Requirements
The tricolored bat (formerly eastern pipistrelle) roosts in caves, rock crevices, tree foliage, and man-made structures across the eastern two-thirds of Texas. It hibernates in caves and mines during winter and disperses to woodland and riparian habitats for summer foraging. This small bat feeds on flying insects along forest edges, waterways, and in canopy gaps. It is among the species most severely affected by white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that has caused population declines exceeding 90 percent in parts of its range.
Wildlife Management Plan Implications
Including the tricolored bat as a target species demonstrates management for a species facing imminent federal listing. Your plan should address roost site protection (caves, hollow trees, and bridges), riparian corridor maintenance for foraging habitat, and limiting pesticide use that reduces insect prey. If your property contains caves or mines, documenting bat use through acoustic monitoring or emergence counts strengthens your plan. Maintaining diverse forest structure with standing dead trees (snags) for roosting is also important.
Texas Ecoregions
- Pineywoods
- Post Oak Savannah
- Blackland Prairie
- Cross Timbers and Prairies
- Edwards Plateau
- Gulf Prairies and Marshes
- Rolling Plains
Texas County Distribution
230
of 254 Texas counties with documented occurrences
91% of Texas counties
Recommended Management Practices
These practices from the 7 pillars of wildlife management are most relevant to tricolored bat conservation.
Providing Shelter
Protect caves, rock crevices, hollow trees, and other roost sites from disturbance
Habitat Control
Maintain riparian corridors and forest edge habitat for foraging
Census
Acoustic bat detectors during summer months to document species presence and activity
Supplemental Water
Maintain stock tanks and natural water features that support insect prey production
Include tricolored bat in Your Wildlife Management Plan
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Start Your Wildlife Management PlanFrequently Asked Questions
Why is the tricolored bat being proposed for federal listing?
White-nose syndrome, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, has devastated tricolored bat populations across the eastern United States. The USFWS proposed listing the species as endangered because population declines have exceeded 90 percent in affected areas and the fungus continues spreading westward. Texas populations may be among the last strongholds if the disease reaches the state's cave systems.
How can landowners help protect bats on their property?
The most important actions are protecting roost sites, maintaining insect-rich foraging habitat, and avoiding pesticide use near water features. If your property has caves or mines, limit human access during hibernation (November through March) and maternity season (May through August). Installing bat houses near water sources can provide additional roosting opportunities. Maintaining riparian vegetation and reducing outdoor lighting that disrupts insect behavior also supports bat populations.