Cherokee Nation protects rare bat habitat
Oklahoma, USA -- An Oklahoma tribe has established a conservation area to protect the habitat of an endangered species, the Ozark Big-Eared bat (Plecotus townsendii ingens). The cave-dwelling bat colony was discovered when a Cherokee citizen contacted the tribe to appraise his land.
In establishing the conservation area, Cherokee Nation officials negotiated a historic deal with the landowner, who was not identified in order to protect the bats... Under the terms of the agreement, the tribe was granted an easement that prohibits for 30 years any development of the property. MORE

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