A bat pup rescued in Jupiter Farms and first reported as a Florida bonneted bat, a species federally listed as endangered with fewer than a thousand left in the wild, has been reidentified as a more common species, according to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary.
The pup is actually a Tadarida brasiliensis, commonly known as a Brazilian or Mexican free-tailed bat, the sanctuary said.
“Further examination with additional expert consultation has confirmed the juvenile bat in care is actually a Tadarida, not a Bonneted Bat as first reported,” said Heather Johnston, chief of veterinary medicine and conservation at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. “Bat species can be difficult to distinguish when very young.”
Johnston said the sanctuary’s original identification was made in consultation with several bat specialists. As the pup grew and its features became more defined, the sanctuary sought further expert input. The species was ultimately confirmed by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s terrestrial mammal research leader and a Florida bonneted bat biologist.
The pup, believed to be 4 to 5 weeks old, remains in the care of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary’s veterinary team in Jupiter Farms, which is working toward eventually releasing it back into the wild.
Emmy Bailey is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Rescued baby bat from Jupiter is not a rare species, sanctuary says
Reporting by Emmy Bailey, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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By Emmy Bailey, Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
