In Ontario, seven bat species are listed as Endangered under the Species Conservation Act, 2025.  The listing of the Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus), Northern Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis), Tri-colored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus), and Eastern Small-footed Myotis (Myotis leibii) is largely due to the spread of a fungus referred to as the 'White Nose Syndrome' which is caused by the Pseudogymnoascus destructans (PD for short) fungus.  PD primarily affects the bats during the hibernation period and is estimated to have killed 90 to 100 percent of bats at several hibernation sites.  More recently, in 2025, three additional bat species were listed as Endangered: Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis), Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus), and Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). These listings are largely due to the documented population declines as a result of Wind Power facilities and deaths observed at turbines. 

 

Thus, all seven species and habitat are protected under the Species Conservation Act, 2025.  

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When works are proposed within suitable summer roosting habitat - typically mature hardwood forests, studies are required to assess whether the habitat could support roosting bats.  These studies range from identifying suitable trees (i.e., cavity trees or snags) to collecting acoustic information.  Acoustic surveys are conducted during the month of June at which time recorders equipped with ultrasonic microphones are deployed in areas of suitable habitat during a period of 10 days.  The acoustic data is then collected, downloaded, and analysed by Ecologists to determine whether the forest in question supports these species.    

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In most cases where development is proposed within identified suitable habitat, appropriate mitigation and conservation plans must be prepared should it be deemed that the activity is registrable under the SCA.