Research Task: 8327CN9.6.0
Task Manager: Paul Cryan
White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a devastating affliction that threatens the survival of hibernating bats in North America. WNS spread in the first 3 years since discovery from a very small area of New York across more than 450 miles and 9 states. Hundreds of thousands of bats are estimated to have died during the first 3 winters since WNS emerged, all 4 federally listed endangered species and subspecies of hibernating cave bats are in harm’s way, and more than half of the 45 species of bats occurring in the United States are potentially susceptible. This task aims to better understand the causes and dynamics of WNS, so that we are in a better position to cope with this growing wildlife crisis. FORT biologists are continuing to help coordinate general research efforts and provide technical support on aspects of bat ecology to the scientific community. We are also developing active research programs to assess survival of bats in affected areas and forecasting future spread of the fungus that is considered the causal agent of WNS.
For more information contact Paul Cryan
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.fort.usgs.gov/Research/research_tasks.asp
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