The illinois BAT conservation program will continue to survey bats to provide baseline data on BAT species occurrences activity patters reproduction and diet in the state

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources received a $2.334 million formula grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611), effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028. The award funds the Illinois Bat Conservation Program, which will conduct comprehensive surveys to establish baseline data on bat species occurrences, activity patterns, reproduction, and diet throughout Illinois. Additionally, the program will perform quantitative assessments of its ten-year dataset to examine population trends and occupancy estimates, complete species status assessments for species of conservation interest to inform effective management strategies, and execute public outreach initiatives to disseminate findings and increase engagement.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign serves as the primary sub-grantee, supporting the program's scientific research and data analysis components. The Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program, authorized under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937, provides formula-based funding to state fish and wildlife agencies for wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and hunter education activities. Expected results from this award include improved understanding of Illinois's bat populations and enhanced public knowledge regarding bat species and their ecological roles.

Additionally this segment the program will do a quantitative assessment of the ten year data set to examine population trends and occupancy estimates. Species status assessments will be completed for species of interest to facilitate effective management of species. The program will continue outreach programs to share the findings and knowledge with the public. Expected results and benefits include a better understanding of the BAT population of illinois and increased public engagement. University of illinois at urbana champaign is an expected subgrantee.