GRCA contains the highest diversity of bats of any U.S. national park. Surveillance for White Nose Syndrome (WNS) has occurred every spring since 2018. No white nose syndrome has been confirmed in GRCA bats, and bat populations appear to be healthy and robust. But this could change as WNS continues to spread into new areas including the arid southwestern U.S.
Bat Monitoring
Protecting Grand Canyon's 22 bat species.
Grand Canyon National Park boasts the highest bat diversity of any U.S. national park, with 22 documented species inhabiting areas from the rims to the canyon floor and throughout the river corridor. Bats represent one-fifth of all mammal species globally and play vital roles in ecosystems as pollinators, insect predators, and prey for various animals. Grand Canyon Conservancy has funded a Long-term Bat Monitoring Program that has successfully gathered nearly eight years of continuous acoustic data, enhancing our understanding of bat diversity, distribution, seasonal occupancy, and life history within Grand Canyon National Park.
Unfortunately, bat populations across North America are under threat from habitat loss and disease, and ongoing monitoring and research remain critical to preserving Grand Canyon's unique bat populations and the essential ecosystem services they provide. Your support enables the park to take action on protecting this important species.
North Rim Bat Monitoring 2024
North Rim Bat Monitoring 2023
