The Florida Bat Conservancy, under contract with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), identified the bats while gathering data about bat species occurrence and population levels in the southwest region of the state. Using the survey's results, plans are being developed to enhance bat habitat on South Florida's public lands.

Discovering the presence of Florida bonneted bats ( Eumops floridanus) in the Kissimmee region is a major finding, according to the Florida Bat Conservancy. The nearest previously known location is more than 50 miles to the southwest in the Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area, which is owned and managed by the FWC. In the bat survey, conservancy staff documented the bonneted bats well north of Lake Okeechobee, on the Kissimmee River Public Use Area and Kissimmee Island Cattle Company (KICCO) properties.

The Florida bonneted bat is currently listed as an endangered species by the FWC. It is native only to South Florida. The bat is distinguished by its large size-its body ranges in length from 4.9 to 6.5 inches, with a wingspan of almost 20 inches-and unusually large broad ears that slant forward over the eyes. The bonneted bat normally roosts in palm fronds, tree cavities and buildings, and forages for insects high in the air. Bonneted bats do not eat mosquitoes, a food source for many other bat species. Instead, they feast on moths, June bugs and larger insects. Each bat eats about its weight in food every night.

To provide roosting habitat for the bonneted bat and other bat species, the SFWMD, in partnership with the FWC and the Florida Bat Conservancy, will be constructing a large community "bat house" along the Kissimmee River near its Riverwoods Field lab. The agencies will also construct smaller single-chambered bat houses, which the bonneted bats prefer, at KICCO and at other selected locations where bonneted bats have been identified.

The District is committed to protecting and preserving South Florida's environment and its wildlife by working closely with other agencies to manage lands that preserve natural habitat and foraging areas and by constructing additional habitats when necessary.

For more information about this project or other District works, visit www.sfwmd.gov or call the SFWMD Okeechobee Service Center at (863) 462-5260 or (800) 250-4200.

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About the South Florida Water Management District
The South Florida Water Management District is a regional, governmental agency that oversees the water resources in the southern half of the state - 16 counties from Orlando to the Keys. It is the oldest and largest of the state's five water management districts. The agency mission is to manage and protect water resources of the region by balancing and improving water quality, flood control, natural systems and water supply. A key initiative is cleanup and restoration of the Everglades.