BC List Status:
Blue (Considered to be of Special Concern)
*The taxonomic status of Keen's myotis is under review. Keen’s Myotis has also been referred to as Keen’s “Long-eared Bat”, creating some confusion with the similar and co-occurring Myotis evotis (Long-eared Myotis). Long-eared Myotis (length 9.2-10.3 cm), is often mistaken for M. keenii. Long-eared Myotis has somewhat longer ears that can extend by 5 mm or more beyond the tip of the nose when pressed forward. However body size should not be used to differentiate the two species;, measurement of cranial characteristics is the best way for a positive identification (i.e., the distance from the last upper premolar to the last upper molar is > 4.2 mm in Long-eared Myotis). Geographic location can also assist with identification (e.g. Long-eared Myotis does not occur on Haida Gwaii).
Knowledge gaps in occurrence, population, and abundance contribute to ongoing conservation and management challenges.
Dependency on tree cavity roosts associated with intact mature forest stands as well as forested karst cave sites used for breeding and hibernation makes this species vulnerable to habitat loss due to logging and other resource extraction practices.
Alteration of sensitive moisture and temperature micro-climate conditions within caves from intensive recreational caving, mineral exploration and resource extraction in and around cave systems
White-nosed syndrome, a fungal pathogen potentially spread by human activities though not yet detected in BC is decimating cave dwelling bat populations in eastern North America and is of significant concern.
Prey loss or pesticide build up in the food chain from application of pesticides used to control insect pests in silviculture/agricultural pest control practices, many of which may be part of the bat’s diet.
Wind farms are an unknown factor in respect to how they may affect non-migratory species such as Keen's Myotis
Apply conservation and management recommendations as set out in the Best Management Practices for Bats in British Columbia (2016, see link). Integrate complimentary objectives found in “Accounts and Measures for Managing Identified Wildlife – Accounts V. 2004. Keen’s Long-eared Myotis, Myotis Keenii,” the "COSEWIC assessment and update status report on Keen’s long-eared bat Myotis keenii in Canada” and provincial guidelines for the management of Karst systems.
Assess, inventory and monitor using methodology setout in the RISC standards #20 Inventory Methods for Bats Version 2.0.
This species is Identified Wildlife under the BC Forest and Range Practices Act and subject to protections and prohibitions under the BC Wildlife Act. Habitat for this species may also be governed under provincial and federal regulations including the Fish Protection Act and Federal Fisheries Act as well as Regional and local municipal bylaws.