Hawaii’s Hoary Bat

Only two mammals are said to be naturally endemic in Hawaii, and they include the hoary bat and monk seal. The hoary bat’s appearance on the islands dates back about 10,000 years ago, and they breed on almost all the Hawaiian islands except Niihau and Kahoolawe.

Like many species that found a home in Hawaii, this bat is endangered, and it is listed in the United States endangered taxon. It faces issues with habitat loss for a few reasons, including primary food loss due to chemicals used for pest control. Hopefully, measures are in place to preserve this species that became Hawaii’s official land mammal in 2015.