Arizona bat conservation strategic plan

Hinman, Katharine; Snow, Tim

JUSTIFICATION Declines in many bat populations at both the continental and local level have led to concern for the future of migratory and resident bats in Arizona. The reasons for declines are complex. Habitat loss, modification and fragmentation; loss of wintering and migratory habitat; roost disturbances; pesticide use; and vampire bat control have been implicated. In 1999, Bat Conservation International brought together federal, state, and local government agencies; foundations; conservation groups; and the academic community to organize a North American Strategic Plan for Bat Conservation to address these and other potential problems. Thus, the North American Bat Conservation Partnership (NABCP) was conceived as a voluntary, international coalition dedicated to "ensuring that bat conservation needs are adequately addressed" and that "the downward trends of declining species are reversed." The Arizona Bat Resource Group, as part of the Coalition of North American Bat Working Groups, developed this plan in conjunction with the NABCP effort. ORGANIZATION An introduction to bats and a description of past conservation and research actions in Arizona is followed by species accounts of the 28 bat species found in Arizona, as well as information about the major resources affecting these species. Management direction is described under 4 broad categories: 1) Research; 2) Inventory and Monitoring; 3) Management; and 4) Education. A parallel format is followed for each category, with an introductory problem statement followed by goal statements, a discussion of issues associated with each goal, and a list of priority actions to be addressed under each goal. Within each priority action, we have identified a list of conservation actions specific to Arizona that may be used as examples of projects needed to accomplish these goals. There are then habitat sections that outline the species, resources, and management goals and objectives relevant to 7 major habitat types within Arizona. Appendices outline guidelines for managers and researchers to use when carrying out recommended actions. EVALUATION OF PROGRESS Because of the lack of information and the difficulty in assessing population trends for bats, it is very difficult to set quantifiable targets with which to measure our progress. The time frame for reaching our objectives will vary depending on several factors including: the condition of the habitat necessary to sustain and enhance bat populations, the level of knowledge about species requirements, and the capability of the land owner or land manager to manage for bats. Conservation recommendations listed will provide direction for land managers to reach the conservation goals listed. All research and inventory and monitoring goals listed in the plan address information gaps that will have direct application to land managers, thus a constant feedback of new information will keep the plan current. The next step will be to develop an implementation schedule, including identification of possible partnerships for specific projects, providing timelines for when projects should be completed, and indicating budget estimates for each project. Planning, implementation, and evaluation will remain the most integral parts of our conservation process. In order to keep goals and objectives current, this plan should be reviewed and updated every 5 years. (Three of eight Executive Summary sections copied verbatim from the report.)