Two-story white farmhouse with grasses growing from eves. There are curtains and painted characters visible in the upstairs windows, and permanent signage on the exterior regarding its bat inhabitants. This is Randall House, an Italianate Farmhouse build in 1880.
Encased sign on outside of Randall House that reads...
Please Do Not Disturb The Bats
Townsend's Big-eared Bat is a relatively rare bat designated a Species of Special Concern in California. It is notable for its large ears and is sensitive to disturbance.
At Randall House the attic and the upper parts of the structure provide a roosting habitat where female bats raise their pups.
This site is important for conservation, given the rarity and sensitivity of Townsend's Big-eared Bats. The Park Service regards the house as a part of its effort to protect species and their habitats.
Impacts of nearly any change to roost access or microclimate can be significant for the bats. Implicit in the Park Service's designation of it as a maternity roost is that it must be managed carefully.
Efforts include protecting the roosting areas, restricting human access at certain times, surveying and working to maintain the house in ways that preserve its suitability as a roost.
Due to its age, location, and structure, Randall House is vulnerable to disturbances (human activity, visitation, structural issues) that can affect the bats, especially during maternity season. Maintaining suitable conditions (access, temperature, human exclusion where needed/ is important.
Kaput for humans, but perfect for Townsend's Big-eared Bats! We passed Randall House on our way to a hike in Golden Gate National Recreation Area yesterday, so I decided to get a shot of it on our way back. #WeekKforKaput #AlphabetChallenge 💚
#GGNRA #NationalParks #Conservation #PtReyes #Nature 📷
