New bat species documented at Arnold AFB during conservation surveys

__ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. __– A small visitor with an outsized reputation has made its presence known at Arnold Air Force Base, headquarters of Arnold Engineering Development Complex.

Arnold AFB researchers have documented two new bat species on the installation for the first time, underscoring the value of the base’s long-term wildlife monitoring and conservation program.

The Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) was documented at Arnold AFB during annual mist-netting surveys in 2025. A second individual was documented in 2026 during the installation’s annual harp-trap survey.

Researchers also documented Seminole bats (Lasiurus seminolus) at Arnold AFB for the first time this past summer while conducting mist-netting as part of an endangered bat study funded by the base.

“Arnold AFB has conducted bat research and conservation efforts for more than 20 years,” said Amy Turner, Ph.D., National Environmental Policy Act natural and cultural resources planner for Arnold Air Force Base. “Work has included annual population monitoring, acoustic monitoring and radio-telemetry studies.”

Annual monitoring includes safely capturing bats during the summer and applying uniquely numbered bands. Acoustic recording stations operate year-round to document echolocation calls, which can help biologists identify species. Radio-telemetry studies help researchers track bats as they forage on base, identify important habitat, locate roost trees and document migration routes.

These efforts are among the numerous conservation measures conducted annually by Arnold AFB personnel to monitor and protect federally endangered bat species that occur on the installation.

Despite its name, the Brazilian free-tailed bat likely did not travel from South America to reach Arnold AFB. The species was first described from specimens collected in Brazil, but bats found in Tennessee likely arrive from neighboring states within the region.

Even a regional journey can be impressive for this species. Brazilian free-tailed bats have been documented reaching steady-flight speeds of more than 99 mph — more than 20 mph faster than a cheetah can run.

The Brazilian free-tailed bat’s range spans much of the United States and extends into South America. In the Southeast, these bats may migrate to warmer areas within the region for winter or remain year-round when conditions are favorable. Southwestern populations are known to migrate farther south, including to Mexico, Central America and South America.

The Seminole bat is also not limited to Florida, despite what its name may imply. It was named for the Seminole Native American tribe and the territory where the first documented specimen was collected. Its range extends across the Southeast, particularly along the Gulf Coast and northward into the Carolinas. Like Brazilian free-tailed bats, Seminole bats may migrate within the region for winter or remain in an area year-round if conditions are suitable.

According to Arnold AFB wildlife biologist Makenzie Milner, both species have expanded their ranges over time but remain relatively uncommon in Tennessee. They are often encountered during the summer maternity period or at the beginning of fall migration, when bats may move farther in search of mates.

“During the warmer months, bats can be found foraging for insects throughout the different natural communities on base,” said Milner. “Depending on the species of bat and the season, you’ll find them roosting in different areas like inside tree hollows, under tree bark of live or dead trees, in clumps of leaves, leaf litter and sometimes manmade structures.”

Managed land and natural resources across Arnold AFB provide the habitat and insect prey bats need to raise young and build energy reserves before winter migration. Those resources also help support the return of bats and other migratory wildlife each spring.

“While some may find bats creepy, the winged mammals are beneficial to humans. The species that inhabit Tennessee are insectivores and help control insect populations, such as mosquitoes,” Turner added.

Insect-eating bats also provide important economic benefits to agriculture by consuming crop pests and helping reduce reliance on pesticides.

On average, bats can consume up to half their body weight in insects each night. Pregnant and nursing females may consume up to their full body weight.

The continued monitoring at Arnold AFB helps protect endangered wildlife, preserve important habitat and deepen understanding of the species that share the installation. And with the documentation of two Brazilian free-tailed bats in as many years, the work has also revealed that even one of nature’s fastest fliers can find a place to call home at Arnold AFB.

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