This is one of the great bat conservation success stories in the Americas. After decades listed as endangered in both Mexico and the United States, its populations recovered sufficiently for the species to be delisted in both countries—a rare achievement in the bat world. Like its larger relative, it has a highly elongated muzzle and tongue, adapted for nectar-feeding by dipping deep into the tubular flowers of agaves and columnar cacti. It undertakes seasonal migrations over thousands of kilometres, following the staggered flowering of these plants. This movement is so closely synchronized with the flowering cycle that it is known as the nectar corridor. Along with other nectar-feeding bats, the Lesser Long-nosed Bat is one of the most important pollinators in the North American desert, essential for the reproduction of numerous columnar cactus and agave species.
A medium-small bat, somewhat smaller than its larger long-nosed relative, with greyish-brown fur, an elongated muzzle ending in a small nose-leaf, and an extensible tongue much longer than its head. It is distinguished from its larger relative mainly by its slightly smaller size and cranial details; in flight, distinguishing between the two species is extremely difficult without direct capture.
Deserts, xerophilous scrub and rocky canyons with flowering agaves and columnar cacti, from lowlands up to mid-altitude mountain zones. Distributed across the southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America, undertaking seasonal migratory movements following agave and cactus blooms.
Nectarivorous, feeding on nectar and pollen from agave and columnar cactus flowers, supplemented occasionally with soft fruit and insects depending on seasonal availability.
Undertakes seasonal migrations following the staggered flowering of agaves and columnar cacti, moving north in spring and summer and retreating south in autumn. Forms very large breeding colonies in caves and mines. Its role as a pollinator is vital for the reproduction of numerous columnar cactus and agave species in the North American desert.
Populations recovered remarkably from the 1990s onwards thanks to protection programmes for key maternity caves and restrictions on wild agave harvesting. This allowed the Lesser Long-nosed Bat to be delisted from endangered species lists in both Mexico (2013) and the United States (2018).
Loss of flowering wild agaves due to harvesting for the distilled spirits industry, disturbance and disruption in caves and mines used as nursery roosts, and desert habitat loss from urban development.
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