Mexican Free-tailed Bat
Tadarida brasiliensis
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Chiroptera · Molossidae
About
The Mexican free-tailed bat or Brazilian free-tailed bat is a medium-sized bat native to North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean, so named because its tail can be almost half its total length and is not attached to its uropatagium. It has been claimed to have the fastest horizontal speed of any animal, reaching top ground speeds over 99 mph (160 km/h). It also flies the highest among bats, at altitudes around 3,300 m (10,800 ft).
Fun Fact
Mexican free-tailed bats form the largest single-species colonies of any mammal — Bracken Cave in Texas holds up to 20 million individuals, and the nightly emergence is visible on weather radar.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Caves and urban areas
Diet
Insectivore
Lifespan
12-18 years
Threats
- Habitat Loss
- Disease