Tiny bats provide ‘glimmer of hope’ against a fungus that threatened entire species
Bats are an essential part of our ecosystem, playing a crucial role in pollination, seed dispersal, and controlling insect populations. However, in recent years, many bat species have been under threat due to a deadly fungal disease known as White-nose Syndrome (WNS). But, researchers have now found a glimmer of hope in the form of a tiny bat species that appears to be more resilient to the disease.
The northern long-eared bat, a species found in the eastern half of North America, has been particularly hard hit by WNS. The fungus invades the bat’s skin, disrupting its hibernation patterns and leading to starvation. In some areas, up to 99% of the population has been wiped out.
However, a new study published in the journal Ecology has found that the tri-colored bat, a much smaller species, may hold the key to fighting the disease. Researchers found that the tri-colored bat had a much lower incidence of WNS than the northern long-eared bat.
The study, led by researchers from the U.S. Forest Service and University of California, Santa Cruz, involved surveying 12 bat species across 28 states. They found that while WNS had been detected in all of the species, the tri-colored bat had the lowest incidence of the disease, with only 6% of the population affected. In contrast, the northern long-eared bat had a 90% incidence rate.
The researchers suggest that the tri-colored bat may have a stronger immune system or that their hibernation patterns may not be as affected by the fungus. Further research is needed to understand the underlying reasons for their resilience.
The findings provide hope that by studying the tri-colored bat’s immune system and hibernation patterns, scientists may be able to develop treatments to help other bat species fight WNS. The disease has already killed millions of bats, and if it continues to spread, it could have devastating effects on the ecosystem.
It is vital that we continue to monitor and study bat populations to understand the impact of WNS and find ways to protect these essential creatures. The discovery of the tri-colored bat’s resilience is a promising step towards saving bat species from the threat of White-nose Syndrome.