Paul Cryan, PhD
Paul Cryan is a Research Biologist at the Fort Collins Science Center.
Mysteries, underdogs, and gadgets have always fascinated me, so for the past two decades I have focused my research on using technology to reveal how some of the 43+ species of U.S. bats live their cryptic lives. My particular interests include uncovering bat migration behaviors and seasonal movements, discovering the details of their winter hideouts and survival strategies, and understanding how infectious diseases influence bat populations. What began as general interest in an understudied group of mammals has grown into a practical search for answers to two of the most pressing threats currently facing U.S. bats - fatalities at wind turbines and the emerging disease known as white-nose syndrome. My basic research approach is to start by synthesizing natural history and existing information, then test plausible new hypotheses in a scientifically defensible way through observational and experimental field studies. I gravitate toward new collaborations and technologies that take us beyond existing methods and expand our abilities to follow and discover what (and how) bats are doing out there in the dark.
Professional Experience
2003 to present, Research Biologist, USGS Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO
1999 to 2003, Student Trainee (SCEP), USGS Arid Lands Field Station (Fort Collins Science Center), Albuquerque, NM
1994 to 1997 & 1999 to 2002, Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
1998 to 1999, Wildlife Biologist, USGS Arid Lands Field Station (Fort Collins Science Center), Albuquerque, NM
1995 to 1997, Biological Science Technician, USGS Arid Lands Field Station (Fort Collins Science Center), Albuquerque, NM
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Biology, University of New Mexico, 2003
M.S. Biology, University of New Mexico, 1997
B.A. Biology, The Evergreen State College, 1991
Science and Products
Comprehensive genetic analyses reveal evolutionary distinction of a mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) proposed for delisting from the US Endangered Species Act
Chemistry & migration mysteries: Fur holds clues to previous journeys
Stable hydrogen isotope analysis of bat hair as evidence for seasonal molt and long-distance migration
Western crevice and cavity-roosting bats
Western crevice and cavity-roosting bats
Migration and thermoregulation strategies of hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus) in North America
Recurrence of Mexican long-tongued bats (Choeronycteris mexicana) at historical sites in Arizona and New Mexico
Seasonal distribution of migratory tree bats (Lasiurus and Lasionycteris) in North America
Sex differences in the thermoregulation and evaporative water loss of a heterothermic bat, Lasiurus cinereus, during its spring migration
Roosting habits of four bat species in the Black Hills of South Dakota
Effect of elevation on distribution of female bats in the Black Hills, South Dakota
The bats of Wyoming
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
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Comprehensive genetic analyses reveal evolutionary distinction of a mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) proposed for delisting from the US Endangered Species Act
Zapus hudsonius preblei, listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act (ESA), is one of 12 recognized subspecies of meadow jumping mice found in North America. Recent morphometric and phylogenetic comparisons among Z. h. preblei and neighbouring conspecifics questioned the taxonomic status of selected subspecies, resulting in a proposal to delist the Z. h. preblei from the ESA. We preseAuthorsTim L. King, John F. Switzer, Cheryl L. Morrison, Michael S. Eackles, Colleen Young, Barbara A. Lubinski, Paul M. CryanChemistry & migration mysteries: Fur holds clues to previous journeys
The bat was not only pregnant but downright angry as I snipped a bit of fur from her back. Within a few seconds, however, she flapped her powerful wings, took off from my hand and disappeared into the night, rejoining thousands of female hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus) on their migration through the mountains of New Mexico.Every spring, hundreds of these expectant mothers pass through this small stAuthorsPaul M. CryanStable hydrogen isotope analysis of bat hair as evidence for seasonal molt and long-distance migration
Although hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus) are presumed to be migratory and capable of long-distance dispersal, traditional marking techniques have failed to provide direct evidence of migratory movements by individuals. We measured the stable hydrogen isotope ratios of bat hair (δDh) and determined how these values relate to stable hydrogen isotope ratios of precipitation (δDp). Our results indicateAuthorsP.M. Cryan, M.A. Bogan, R. O. Rye, G. P. Landis, C.L. KesterWestern crevice and cavity-roosting bats
Among the 45 species of bats that occur in the United States (U.S.), 34 species regularly occur in western regions of the country. Many of these “western” species choose roost sites in crevices or cavities. Herein we provide an introduction to the biology of bats that roost in cavities and crevices and assess the challenges and opportunities associated with monitoring their populations. We revieweAuthorsMichael A. Bogan, Paul M. Cryan, Ernest W. Valdez, Laura E. Ellison, Thomas J. O'SheaWestern crevice and cavity-roosting bats
Among the 45 species of bats that occur in the United States (U.S.), 34 species regularly occur in western regions of the country. Many of these “western” species choose roost sites in crevices or cavities. Herein we provide an introduction to the biology of bats that roost in cavities and crevices and assess the challenges and opportunities associated with monitoring their populations. We reviewAuthorsMichael A. Bogan, Paul M. Cryan, Ernest W. Valdez, Laura E. Ellison, Thomas J. O'SheaMigration and thermoregulation strategies of hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus) in North America
No abstract available.AuthorsPaul M. CryanRecurrence of Mexican long-tongued bats (Choeronycteris mexicana) at historical sites in Arizona and New Mexico
The Mexican long-tongued bat (Choeronycteris mexicana) is a nectar-eating species that seasonally inhabits the southwestern United States. Since 1906, fewer than 1500 individuals of C. mexicana have been documented throughout the range of the species. We conducted a field survey in Arizona and New Mexico during summer 1999 to check historically occupied areas for recurrence of C. mexicana. We obseAuthorsP.M. Cryan, M.A. BoganSeasonal distribution of migratory tree bats (Lasiurus and Lasionycteris) in North America
Despite evidence of migration in North American tree bats (genera Lasiurus and Lasionycteris), details regarding seasonal movements in these widely distributed species are few. This study attempted to clarify patterns of seasonal distribution by mapping museum occurrence records by month. Monthly changes in the distribution of records indicate seasonal movements of tree bats. Northward migration dAuthorsPaul M. CryanSex differences in the thermoregulation and evaporative water loss of a heterothermic bat, Lasiurus cinereus, during its spring migration
This study quantifies sex differences in thermoregulation and water loss of a small (20-35 g) insectivorous heterothermic mammal, the hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus, during its spring migration. We measured body temperature, metabolic rate and evaporative water loss, and calculated wet thermal conductance, for bats exposed to air temperatures ranging from 0 to 40°C for periods of 2-5 h. Pregnant femaAuthorsP.M. Cryan, B. O. WolfRoosting habits of four bat species in the Black Hills of South Dakota
The availability of suitable roosts influences the distribution and abundance of bats. Quantifying roosting requirements is a necessary step toward effectively monitoring, managing, and conserving bats. Our objectives were to locate and characterize the natural, daytime summer roosts of Myotis septentrionalis, M. thysanodes, M. volans, and Eptesicus fuscus in the Black Hills of South Dakota, USA aAuthorsP.M. Cryan, M.A. Bogan, G.M. YanegaEffect of elevation on distribution of female bats in the Black Hills, South Dakota
Presumably, reproductive female bats are more constrained by thermoregulatory and energy needs than are males and nonreproductive females. Constraints imposed on reproductive females may limit their geographic distribution relative to other bats. Such constraints likely increase with latitude and elevation. Males of 11 bat species that inhabit the Black Hills were captured more frequently than femAuthorsP.M. Cryan, M.A. Bogan, J.S. AltenbachThe bats of Wyoming
We examined 1280 bats of 12 species submitted to the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory (WSVL) for rabies testing between 1981 and 1992. The most abundant species in the sample was Myotis lucifugus, followed by Eptesicus fuscus, Lasionycteris noetivagans, M. ciliolabrum, and M. volans. Using the WSVL sample and additional museum specimens, we summarized available records and knowledge for 17 spAuthorsMichael A. Bogan, Paul M. CryanNon-USGS Publications**
Cryan, P.M. 1997. Distribution and roosting habits of bats in the southern Black Hills, South Dakota [M.S. Thesis]. Albuquerque, NM: University of New Mexico. 98 p.Perry, T.W., P.M. Cryan, S.R. Davenport, and M.A. Bogan. 1997. New locality for Euderma maculatum (Chiroptera: vespertilionidae) in New Mexico. Southwestern Naturalist. 42(1): 99-10.Bogan, M.A., T.J. O’Shea, P.M. Cryan, A.M. Ditto, W.H. Shaedla, and L. Ellison. 1996. Status and trends of bat populations at Los Alamos National Laboratory and Bandelier National Monument, Jemez Mountains, New Mexico. Annual report to Los Alamos National Laboratory and Bandelier National Monument. 1-18 p.Cryan, P.M. and M.A. Bogan. 1995. Ecology and distribution of bats in the southern Black Hills: Annual report to cooperators. Annual report prepared for Jewel Cave National Monument, National Park Service, Custer, SD. 23 p.**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
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