The Government of Canada is inviting and encouraging individuals, communities, businesses, and organizations to share comments concerning the classification of three migratory bats — Hoary Bat, Eastern Red Bat, and Silver-haired Bat — as Endangered under the Canadian Species at Risk Act.
Results of consultations will be used to help decide if these species should be added to the List of Wildlife Species at Risk (Schedule 1) under the Species at Risk Act as Endangered, or whether the matter should be referred back to COSEWIC.
Available evidence supports an Endangered listing for all three migratory bats, primarily because of high mortality caused by wind turbines and rapid growth in the number of wind turbines that is continuing to occur across North America.
The listing of these species will result in increased legal protections to bats on lands under the jurisdiction of the federal government. The listing will also result in the development of a recovery plan, and is expected to increase funding available to address knowledge gaps and conservation priorities. Increased focus on this issue may also help improve adoption of proven mitigation techniques that will reduce the number of bat fatalities occurring at wind farms in Canada.
To submit comments on their listing, refer to these resources and statements: