Mexican Free-tail Bat

Distribution

Reproduction

Habitat

Diet

Mortality

Management

Literature Cited

Habitat

The Mexican free-tail bat utilizes a variety of habitats.  Generally, they are cave dwellers and because so many of them can live in a cave there is a large accumulation of guano, coining the phrase “guano caves” (Schmidly 1999).  Many other locations are suitable for smaller populations such as undersides of a bridge, cliff edges, seams in overhangs of a house, and buildings.  Mexican free-tail bats typically use buildings that are not permanently occupied or heated, and contain a fair amount of open area and nooks and crannies for the bats to use incase of a sudden outside temperature change (Schmidly 1999).  There are several things that this species will look for when choosing a habitat.  As all mammals, they are interested in increased mating opportunities along with favorable areas for maternal care.  They are interested in protection form the weather and predators as well as convenience of thermoregulation, closeness to feeding sites, and reduced competition (Krutzch et al. 2002).

Another important factor for roosts is that the Mexican free tail needs at least a 3 m (10 ft) drop in order to gain level flight (Schmidly 1999).  Being that most of the foraging takes place while in flight this bat likes open areas with flying insects.  There is no specific foraging habitat as they can forage in open fields as well as woodlands and forested areas (Bat Conservation International Website).   It is also important that the foraging rest area be at least 3 m (10 ft) above the ground as well.