Diversity and Distribution of Bats in the Northwest Territories

Research reveals that the diversity of bat species in the Northwest Territories (NT), Canada, is significantly higher than previously documented. Initially, only three species were known to inhabit the region: Little Brown Myotis, Northern Myotis, and Hoary Bat. However, through focused surveys and resident observations, four additional species have been confirmed—Long-eared Myotis, Long-legged Myotis, Big Brown Bat, and Silver-haired Bat—bringing the total to seven, with an eighth species (Eastern Red Bat) suspected but unconfirmed. Notably, Little Brown Myotis and Northern Myotis are reproducing in the NT, suggesting higher abundance than expected, while Little Brown Myotis has also been confirmed to overwinter in the region, potentially extending the known northern limit of bat hibernation further north than previously thought. The study highlights that Nahanni National Park Reserve exhibits high bat diversity, with other southwestern regions likely sharing similar richness but lacking survey data. Bats are widespread in southern Central Plains, though gaps in occurrence records likely reflect insufficient search effort. The Eastern Shield region supports bats at relatively low densities, while the northern distribution limit of bats in the NT remains unknown but is expected to occur north of 62°N in the Mackenzie Valley.

Wilson, J. M., Reimer, J. P., Allaire, D., & Lausen, C. L. (2014). Diversity and Distribution of Bats in the Northwest Territories. Northwestern Naturalist, 95(3), 197–218. https://doi.org/10.1898/13-13.1