Species We Study: Bats Active
Bats make up one-fifth of all mammalian species worldwide and are found on every continent except Antarctica. They contribute to overall ecosystem health by suppressing pest insects and pollinating plants and spreading seeds. Eight North American bat species are listed as federally endangered or threatened, and more than one-half are of current conservation concern in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
We conduct scientific research on bats that helps resource managers and policymakers make informed decisions regarding the conservation of bats across North America. USGS science also helps inform decision making with respect to white-nose syndrome (WNS) surveillance and bat vulnerability; mitigation of potential impacts of energy development on bats; prelisting conservation efforts for regulatory agencies; and land management practices.
About Bats
Bats remarkably similar to the ones we have today first appeared on Earth more than 50 million years ago. No other mammal has ever achieved the ability to sustain flight.
There are more than 1,300 species of bats, some the size of a human thumb and others with a six-foot wingspan. Most bats eat insects, many eat fruit and nectar from plants, some eat rodents, and yes, some consume blood. All are primarily active at night. Many species of bats rely on echolocation (locating objects by reflected sound) and incredible dim-light vision to navigate through the night and in the caves and tree-roosting sites they inhabit.
“Many people think bats are blind, but they actually have really sensitive vision, which helps them see in conditions we might consider pitch black,” said Paul Cryan, a bat ecologist with the USGS. “They don’t have the sharp and colorful vision we do, but they don’t need that. Think a dark-adapted Mr. Magoo.”
During winter, many species of bats hibernate in cool and moist caves or mines. Hibernation is an adaptation for bat survival during cold winter months, when there are no insects available for bats to eat. Bats must store energy in the form of fat prior to hibernation. One of the consequences of WNS is that the hibernation of many afflicted bats is interrupted, often causing them to depart their winter roost early and eventually starve to death.
Bat reproduction begins with mating in the fall before hibernation, yet new USGS research revealed that a surprising amount of mating also occurs during winter hibernation. Female bats store sperm throughout the winter and become pregnant in the spring soon after emerging from caves or other winter roosts. In spring, bats migrate to their summer territories, often in wooded locations with lots of trees and vegetation. Females usually roost together in maternity colonies under the peeling bark or in cavities of dead and dying trees, and in other structures in groups of up to 100 or more. Each female in the colony typically gives birth to only one pup per year. Young bats are nursed by the mother, who leaves the roost only to forage for food. While mothers are out foraging, the young bats huddle together in groups that biologists call a cuddle. The young stay with the maternity colony throughout most of their first summer.
Bats remain a frontier of wonder and discovery. Scientists recently discovered that bats are among the longest-lived mammals for their size and may hide biological secrets to longevity. We also now know that bats are more closely related to horses, dogs and cats than to any other mammals.
“These mysterious creatures will undoubtedly continue to benefit us as they fly above our heads in the dark, and science can help us discover and help protect those free and irreplaceable benefits,” Cryan said.
Bat Research
Informing Renewable Energy Development Siting Decisions with Vertebrate Biodiversity Measures
Conservation Genetics of the Hawaiian Hoary Bat
Translational science for renewable energy and its wildlife concerns: a synthesis of wind energy buildout, bat population ecology, and habitat constraints
Quantitative Tools for the Urgent Recovery and Regulatory Needs of the Florida Bonneted Bat, Eumops floridanus
Bat Research
Integrating colony counts with NABat acoustic data to reveal the true impacts of White-Nose Syndrome on northern long-eared bats
A continental-scale study of acoustic phenology to improve population monitoring and inform management of hibernating bats
Developing online integrated data visualization tools for WNS and NABat
Modeling the response of cave hibernating Myotis species to white-nose syndrome mitigation tactics
Quantifying vulnerability of bat species to White-nose Syndrome across North America
Managing for Grassland Health at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
A Generalized Estimator for Estimating Bird and Bat Mortality at Renewable Energy Facilities - GenEst
Data related to USGS bat research is listed below.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii Oahu Hawaiian Hoary Bat Acoustic Data 2019-2021
Hawaiian Islands Hawaiian Hoary Bat Genetic Sexing 2009-2020 (ver. 6.0, January 2021)
Skin mycobiomes of eastern North American bats
Hawaii Island, Hawaiian hoary bat acoustic data pre- and post-koa moth outbreak, 2007-2013
Hawaiian Islands Hawaiian hoary bat samples, genome assembly, and SNP genotypes, 2009-2015
Hawaii Island, Hawaiian hoary bat roosting ecology and detection 2018-2019
Maui Island, Hawaiian hoary bat behavior at wind turbines, 2018
Oahu U.S. Army Facilities Hawaiian Hoary Bat Acoustic Data 2015-2016
Hawaii Army National Guard Hawaiian Hoary Bat Acoustic Monitoring 2012-2018 and Keaukaha Military Reservation Prey Study 2018
Waihou Mitigation Area, Maui Island, bat acoustic activity, diet and prey availability, 2015 to 2018
Hawaii Island Hawaiian hoary bat foraging location data 2004-2010
Virally-vectored vaccine candidates against white-nose syndrome induce anti-fungal immune response in little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus)
Recent publications (2020-2022) related to USGS bat research are listed below. A complete listing of USGS bat publications is available from the button below.
Social effects of rabies infection in male vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus)
A recombinant rabies vaccine that prevents viral shedding in rabid common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus)
Statistical assessment on determining local presence of rare bat species
Evaluating the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to bats in the context of wildlife research, rehabilitation, and control
Positively selected genes in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) lineage: Prominence of thymus expression, immune and metabolic function, and regions of ancient synteny
Are little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) impacted by dietary exposure to microcystin?
Experimental inoculation trial to determine the effects of temperature and humidity on White-nose Syndrome in hibernating bats
Analytical assessments in support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 3-bat species status assessment
Acoustic and genetic data can reduce uncertainty regarding populations of migratory tree-roosting bats impacted by wind energy
Influencing activity of bats by dimly lighting wind turbine surfaces with ultraviolet light
Context dependency of disease-mediated competitive release in bat assemblages following white-nose syndrome
Hawaiian hoary bat acoustic surveys on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, 2019–2021
News article about USGS bat research are listed below.
- Overview
Bats make up one-fifth of all mammalian species worldwide and are found on every continent except Antarctica. They contribute to overall ecosystem health by suppressing pest insects and pollinating plants and spreading seeds. Eight North American bat species are listed as federally endangered or threatened, and more than one-half are of current conservation concern in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
We conduct scientific research on bats that helps resource managers and policymakers make informed decisions regarding the conservation of bats across North America. USGS science also helps inform decision making with respect to white-nose syndrome (WNS) surveillance and bat vulnerability; mitigation of potential impacts of energy development on bats; prelisting conservation efforts for regulatory agencies; and land management practices.
About Bats
Bats remarkably similar to the ones we have today first appeared on Earth more than 50 million years ago. No other mammal has ever achieved the ability to sustain flight.
There are more than 1,300 species of bats, some the size of a human thumb and others with a six-foot wingspan. Most bats eat insects, many eat fruit and nectar from plants, some eat rodents, and yes, some consume blood. All are primarily active at night. Many species of bats rely on echolocation (locating objects by reflected sound) and incredible dim-light vision to navigate through the night and in the caves and tree-roosting sites they inhabit.
“Many people think bats are blind, but they actually have really sensitive vision, which helps them see in conditions we might consider pitch black,” said Paul Cryan, a bat ecologist with the USGS. “They don’t have the sharp and colorful vision we do, but they don’t need that. Think a dark-adapted Mr. Magoo.”
During winter, many species of bats hibernate in cool and moist caves or mines. Hibernation is an adaptation for bat survival during cold winter months, when there are no insects available for bats to eat. Bats must store energy in the form of fat prior to hibernation. One of the consequences of WNS is that the hibernation of many afflicted bats is interrupted, often causing them to depart their winter roost early and eventually starve to death.
Bat reproduction begins with mating in the fall before hibernation, yet new USGS research revealed that a surprising amount of mating also occurs during winter hibernation. Female bats store sperm throughout the winter and become pregnant in the spring soon after emerging from caves or other winter roosts. In spring, bats migrate to their summer territories, often in wooded locations with lots of trees and vegetation. Females usually roost together in maternity colonies under the peeling bark or in cavities of dead and dying trees, and in other structures in groups of up to 100 or more. Each female in the colony typically gives birth to only one pup per year. Young bats are nursed by the mother, who leaves the roost only to forage for food. While mothers are out foraging, the young bats huddle together in groups that biologists call a cuddle. The young stay with the maternity colony throughout most of their first summer.
Bats remain a frontier of wonder and discovery. Scientists recently discovered that bats are among the longest-lived mammals for their size and may hide biological secrets to longevity. We also now know that bats are more closely related to horses, dogs and cats than to any other mammals.
“These mysterious creatures will undoubtedly continue to benefit us as they fly above our heads in the dark, and science can help us discover and help protect those free and irreplaceable benefits,” Cryan said.
Bat Research
Filter Total Items: 34Informing Renewable Energy Development Siting Decisions with Vertebrate Biodiversity Measures
Renewable energy development is expanding in southwestern deserts, including in Arizona. Energy developers look to resource management agencies to provide siting guidance on public lands where there might be conflicts with wildlife. Often, agency guidance considers species of conservation concern and economic importance, but information on comprehensive vertebrate biodiversity has been hard to...Conservation Genetics of the Hawaiian Hoary Bat
The Hawaiian Hoary Bat ( Lasiurus semotus ) or ʻōpeʻapeʻa is the only extant land mammal native to the Hawaiian archipelago and is listed as endangered due to apparent population declines, and a lack of knowledge concerning its distribution, abundance, and habitat needs. This study is designed to apply molecular techniques to document demographic information, assess genetic variability, describe...Translational science for renewable energy and its wildlife concerns: a synthesis of wind energy buildout, bat population ecology, and habitat constraints
Wind energy is poised for rapid growth over the next 2-3 decades yet fatalities to birds and bats is a leading concern that may constrain wind energy development in the US. This working group will integrate wind energy forecasting models with bat ecological models and management policy considerations to transform our ability to understand and manage renewable energy development while minimizing unQuantitative Tools for the Urgent Recovery and Regulatory Needs of the Florida Bonneted Bat, Eumops floridanus
WARC researchers are organizing Florida bonneted bat echolocation recordings into a database to assess population trends and bat response to management actions.Bat Research
White-nose syndrome (WNS) caused by the fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) has decimated hibernating bat populations across North America since it emerged 10 years ago in New York. As Pd has spread across North America, infection dynamics and mortality from WNS have varied among species and across sites. The mechanisms behind vulnerability of species across the current and expanding...Integrating colony counts with NABat acoustic data to reveal the true impacts of White-Nose Syndrome on northern long-eared bats
Bat Research Research collaboration: Brian Reichert (FORT), Wayne Thogmartin (UMESC), Winifred Frick (Bat Conservation International), Tina Cheng (Bat Conservation International) The northern long-eared bat ( Myotis septentrionalis ) was listed as Threatened on the Endangered Species Act in 2014 due to rapid declines in numbers of observed hibernating bats at winter roosting sites after the...A continental-scale study of acoustic phenology to improve population monitoring and inform management of hibernating bats
Bat Research Research collaboration: Winifred Frick (Bat Conservation International), Theodore Weller (U.S. Forest Service), Wayne Thogmartin (UMESC), Craig Willis (University of Winnipeg), and Brian Reichert (FORT) White-nose Syndrome (WNS) has caused severe declines in bat populations over the past 10 years and colony sizes at winter hibernacula have decreased on average by >90% for three...Developing online integrated data visualization tools for WNS and NABat
Bat Research Research collaboration: Brian Reichert (FORT), Anne Ballmann (NWHC), Jeremy Coleman (USFWS), Paul Cryan (FORT), Wayne Thogmartin (UMESC), and Katherine Irvine (NOROCK) White-nose syndrome is caused by the fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), which has decimated hibernating bat populations across North America since it emerged 10 years ago in New York. While diagnostic...Modeling the response of cave hibernating Myotis species to white-nose syndrome mitigation tactics
Bat Research Research collaboration: Robin Russell (NWHC), Tonie Rocke (NWHC), Wayne Thogmartin (UMESC), Evan Grant (PWRC) White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease devastating cave-hibernating bat species ( Myotis spp.) in the eastern United States. Several mitigation tactics have been proposed to alleviate the effects of white-nose syndrome on bats including probiotics and vaccination. Questions...Quantifying vulnerability of bat species to White-nose Syndrome across North America
Bat Research Research collaboration: Winifred Frick (Bat Conservation International), Brian Reichert (FORT), Theodore Weller (US Forest Service), Wayne Thogmartin (UMESC) and the North American Bat Colony Count Consortium We quantify vulnerability of bat species in North America to target and prioritize management actions toward species and habitats that are most at risk from impacts from White...Managing for Grassland Health at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
Southern Arizona’s semi-desert grasslands provides habitat for flora and fauna, regulates rainfall infiltration and overland flow, mitigates surface erosion and dust production, and sequesters carbon. Sustainable management is important to maintain these ecological services and is of concern for the managers, ranchers, and other people associated with the grassland. The Buenos Aires National...A Generalized Estimator for Estimating Bird and Bat Mortality at Renewable Energy Facilities - GenEst
GenEst - One estimator for accurate bird and bat fatality estimates - Data
Data related to USGS bat research is listed below.
Filter Total Items: 14Marine Corps Base Hawaii Oahu Hawaiian Hoary Bat Acoustic Data 2019-2021
Acoustic sampling for presence of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus semotus, also known as Aeorestes semotus) was conducted at 17 stations across four Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) properties on O‘ahu Island, Hawai‘i. Bats were confirmed as present at all properties; MCBH K?ne?ohe Bay on M?kapu Peninsula, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows (MCTAB) in Waimanalo, Camp H.M. Smith in HalawHawaiian Islands Hawaiian Hoary Bat Genetic Sexing 2009-2020 (ver. 6.0, January 2021)
We tested the utility of a protocol using genetic markers that previously proved successful to identify the sex of Vespertilionid bats on tissues collected from live bats and carcasses of varying age from the Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus). This molecular method is based on genes unique to X and Y chromosomes in mammals and previously was used successfully on North American hoary bSkin mycobiomes of eastern North American bats
North American bats have experienced catastrophic population declines from white-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungal disease caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). Although Pd can infect many hibernating bat species, population-level impacts of WNS vary by host species. Microbial skin assemblages, including the fungal component (mycobiome), can influence host resistance to infectious diseases; howHawaii Island, Hawaiian hoary bat acoustic data pre- and post-koa moth outbreak, 2007-2013
We examined Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus semotus) presence and foraging activity at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge and Lupahoehoe Forest Reserve on Hawai'i Island during the 2013 koa moth (Geometridea: Scotorythra paludicola) outbreak. Hawaiian hoary bat echolocation vocalizations were recorded at seven acoustic stations between 1069 and 1200 m above sea level that operated nightly from MHawaiian Islands Hawaiian hoary bat samples, genome assembly, and SNP genotypes, 2009-2015
This dataset features tissue collection information, reference genome assembly, and single nucleotide polymorphisim (SNP) genotypes of 23 Hawaiian hoary bats collected across four Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. These data were collected in order to examine the phylogenetic history and patterns of genetic variation in the Hawaiian hoary bat. The raw sequencing data are deposited tHawaii Island, Hawaiian hoary bat roosting ecology and detection 2018-2019
The Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus), a federally and state listed endangered subspecies, is the only extant native terrestrial mammal in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is an insectivorous, solitary and foliage-roosting species that generally roosts alone or in mother-pup family groups. A total of 58 bats (17 female; 41 male; 56 adult; 2 juvenile) were captured at multiple locations onMaui Island, Hawaiian hoary bat behavior at wind turbines, 2018
The Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus), a federally and state listed endangered subspecies, is the only extant native terrestrial mammal in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is an insectivorous, solitary and foliage-roosting species that generally roosts alone or in mother-pup family groups. This data release consists of three tabular datasets comprising acoustic and thermal video data of HOahu U.S. Army Facilities Hawaiian Hoary Bat Acoustic Data 2015-2016
Acoustic sampling for occurrence of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) was conducted at 12 locations on U. S. Army facilities on O'ahu Island, Hawai'i. Bats were confirmed as present at 10 of these locations: Dillingham Military Reservation, Helemano Military Reservation, Kahuku Training Area, Kawailoa Training Area, M'kua Military Reservation, Schofield Barracks East RaHawaii Army National Guard Hawaiian Hoary Bat Acoustic Monitoring 2012-2018 and Keaukaha Military Reservation Prey Study 2018
Acoustic sampling for occurrence of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) was conducted at 18 "long-term" acoustic monitoring stations on 12 Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) installations across the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai between 2012 and 2018. Hawaiian hoary bat insect prey sampling with paired acoustic monitoring was conducted at Keaukaha MilWaihou Mitigation Area, Maui Island, bat acoustic activity, diet and prey availability, 2015 to 2018
Habitat use, diet, prey availability and foraging ecology of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus, Vespertilionidae) were examined in the east Maui region inclusive of the Waihou Mitigation Area, Pu'u Makua Restoration Area and the wind power facility operated by Auwahi Wind Energy, LLC. The study was conducted to inform the mitigation and management requirements of AuwahiHawaii Island Hawaiian hoary bat foraging location data 2004-2010
Hawaiian hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) on Hawaii island were surveyed intermittently from 2004-2010. This data release is a single table of resulting bat location estimates, including date, time, coordinates for each location, and presumed bat activity at the time of collection. Nightly movements were documented for 30 Hawaiian hoary bats along the windward (eastern) side of the island ofVirally-vectored vaccine candidates against white-nose syndrome induce anti-fungal immune response in little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus)
White-nose syndrome (WNS) caused by the fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) has killed millions of North American insect-eating bats. Currently, methods to prevent the disease are limited. We conducted two trials to assess potential WNS vaccine candidates in wild-caught Myotis lucifugus. In a pilot study, we immunized bats with one of four vaccine treatments or PBS as a control and challenge - Publications
Recent publications (2020-2022) related to USGS bat research are listed below. A complete listing of USGS bat publications is available from the button below.
Filter Total Items: 53Social effects of rabies infection in male vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus)
Rabies virus (RABV) transmitted by the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) poses a threat to agricultural development and public health throughout the Neotropics. The ecology and evolution of rabies host-pathogen dynamics are influenced by two infection-induced behavioral changes. RABV-infected hosts often exhibit increased aggression which facilitates transmission, and rabies also leads to redAuthorsElsa M. Cárdenas-Canales, Sebastian Stockmaier, Eleanor Cronin, Tonie E. Rocke, Jorge E. Osorio, Gerald G. CarterA recombinant rabies vaccine that prevents viral shedding in rabid common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus)
Vampire bat transmitted rabies (VBR) is a continuing burden to public health and agricultural sectors in Latin America, despite decades-long efforts to control the disease by culling bat populations. Culling has been shown to disperse bats, leading to an increased spread of rabies. Thus, non-lethal strategies to control VBR, such as vaccination, are desired. Here, we evaluated the safety and efficAuthorsElsa M. Cárdenas-Canales, Andres Velasco-Villa, James A. Ellison, Panayampalli S. Satheshkumar, Jorge E. Osario, Tonie E. RockeStatistical assessment on determining local presence of rare bat species
Surveying cryptic, sparsely distributed taxa using autonomous recording units, although cost-effective, provides imperfect knowledge about species presence. Summertime bat acoustic surveys in North America exemplify the challenges with characterizing sources of uncertainty: observation error, inability to census populations, and natural stochastic variation. Statistical uncertainty, if not consideAuthorsKathryn M. Irvine, Katharine M. Banner, Christian Stratton, W. Mark Ford, Brian ReichertEvaluating the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to bats in the context of wildlife research, rehabilitation, and control
Preventing wildlife disease outbreaks is a priority for natural resource agencies, and management decisions can be urgent, especially in epidemic circumstances. With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, wildlife agencies were concerned whether the activities they authorize might increase the risk of viral transmission from humans to North American bats, but had a limited amount of time in which to make deAuthorsJonathan D. Cook, Evan H. Campbell Grant, Jeremy T. H. Coleman, Jonathan M. Sleeman, Michael C. RungePositively selected genes in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) lineage: Prominence of thymus expression, immune and metabolic function, and regions of ancient synteny
BackgroundBats of the genus Lasiurus occur throughout the Americas and have diversified into at least 20 species among three subgenera. The hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) is highly migratory and ranges farther across North America than any other wild mammal. Despite the ecological importance of this species as a major insect predator, and the particular susceptibility of lasiurine bats to wind turbAuthorsRobert S. Cornman, Paul M. CryanAre little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) impacted by dietary exposure to microcystin?
The cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa, can produce the hepatotoxin microcystin. When toxic M. aeruginosa overwinters in the sediments of lakes, it may be ingested by aquatic insects and bioaccumulate in nymphs of Hexagenia mayflies. When volant Hexagenia emerge from lakes to reproduce, they provide an abundant, albeit temporary, food source for many terrestrial organisms including bats. LittlAuthorsDevon N. Jones, Gregory L. Boyer, Julia S. Lankton, Megan Woller-Skar, Amy L. RussellExperimental inoculation trial to determine the effects of temperature and humidity on White-nose Syndrome in hibernating bats
Disease results from interactions among the host, pathogen, and environment. Inoculation trials can quantify interactions among these players and explain aspects of disease ecology to inform management in variable and dynamic natural environments. White-nose Syndrome, a disease caused by the fungal pathogen, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), has caused severe population declines of several bat spAuthorsWinifred F. Frick, Emily R. Johnson, Tina L. Cheng, Julia S. Lankton, Robin Warne, Jason Dallas, Katy L. Parise, Jeffrey T. Foster, Justin G. Boyles, Liam P. McGuireAnalytical assessments in support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 3-bat species status assessment
Beginning in February of 2020, researchers and staff of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Bat Conservation International (BCI), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and Montana State University associated with the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) collaborated with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to provide technical assistance in support oAcoustic and genetic data can reduce uncertainty regarding populations of migratory tree-roosting bats impacted by wind energy
Wind turbine-related mortality may pose a population-level threat for migratory tree-roosting bats, such as the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) in North America. These species are dispersed within their range, making it impractical to estimate census populations size using traditional survey methods. Nonetheless, understanding population size and trends is essential for evaluating and mitigating risAuthorsAmanda Hale, Cris D. Hein, Bethany StrawInfluencing activity of bats by dimly lighting wind turbine surfaces with ultraviolet light
Wind energy producers need deployable devices for wind turbines that prevent bat fatalities. Based on the speculation that bats approach turbines after visually mistaking them for trees, we tested a potential light-based deterrence method. It is likely that the affected bats see ultraviolet (UV) light at low intensities. Here, we present the results of a multi-month experiment to cast dim, flickerAuthorsPaul M. Cryan, Marcos Gorresen, Bethany Straw, Syhoune 'Simon' Thao, Elise DeGeorgeContext dependency of disease-mediated competitive release in bat assemblages following white-nose syndrome
White-nose syndrome (WNS) has caused dramatic declines of several cave-hibernating bat species in North America since 2006, which has increased the activity of non-susceptible species in some geographic areas or during times of night formerly occupied by susceptible species—indicative of disease-mediated competitive release (DMCR). Yet, this pattern has not been evaluated across multiple bat assemAuthorsSara Bombaci, Robin E. Russell, Michael J. St. Germain, Christopher A. Dobony, W. Mark Ford, Susan Loeb, David S. JachowskiHawaiian hoary bat acoustic surveys on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, 2019–2021
The endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus semotus, Vespertilionidae, also known as Aeorestes semotus and ‘ōpe‘ape‘a) occurs on all the principal volcanic islands in Hawai‘i. Advances in acoustic bat monitoring techniques have contributed to the body of knowledge of bat activity and behavior in many areas of the State of Hawai‘i; however, there is still much that is unknown about the population aAuthorsCorinna A. Pinzari, Kristina Montoya-Aiona, Danielle Gross, Karen Courtot - News
News article about USGS bat research are listed below.