Hairy Big-eyed Bat
VU

Hairy Big-eyed Bat

Chiroderma villosum

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairy_big-eyed_bat

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Hairy Big-eyed Bat faces significant pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its Central and South American range. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and crop cultivation, has reduced the continuous forest cover this species requires for roosting and foraging. Mining activities and urban development further fragment remaining habitat corridors, while climate change may alter the distribution of fruit trees that form a crucial part of its diet.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits primary and secondary tropical rainforests from sea level to approximately 1,500 meters elevation, preferring areas with dense canopy cover and abundant fruiting trees. It roosts in tree hollows, dense foliage, and occasionally caves, requiring continuous forest corridors for movement between feeding and roosting sites.

Other threatened species in Phyllostomidae

Aratathomas's Yellow-shouldered BatVU

Aratathomas's Yellow-shouldered Bat

Sturnira aratathomasi

Unknown

Threatened in Belize

VU

Crax rubra

Declining
EN

Calatola uxpanapensis

Declining
VU

Myrcia megistophylla

Unknown
VU

Chrysochlamys guatemaltecana

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Hairy Big-eyed Bat classified as Vulnerable?
Hairy Big-eyed Bat is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Hairy Big-eyed Bat faces significant pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its Central and South American range. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and crop cultivation, has reduced the continuous forest cover this species requires for roosting and foraging. Mining activities and urban development further fragment remaining habitat corridors, while climate change may alter the distribution of fruit trees that form a crucial part of its diet.
Where does Hairy Big-eyed Bat live?
Hairy Big-eyed Bat occurs in Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Ecuador (plus 12 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Hairy Big-eyed Bat?
The main threats to Hairy Big-eyed Bat are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.