Bats are an essential part of our ecosystem but with the rapid advance of White-nose Syndrome (WNS) towards B.C. bats could be headed for major losses, and could even be pushed to the point of extinction in some cases.
Bats are an important part of our ecosystem because they help maintain balance with insect populations. Insect eating bats such as the ones found in Canada are primary predators of night-flying insects. In a given night a single bat can eat as much as its own body weight in insects!
There are between 900-1100 different species of bats in the world and they represent one fifth of all the mammal species known. In Canada there are 19 different species and 16 of those species are found in B.C. Of the 16 species found in B.C., 14 are susceptible to WNS and many of these species are already either endangered or recognized as a species at risk. If WNS was to move into B.C. the effects on the bat community would be absolutely devastating.
Since the discovery of the White-nose Syndrome in early 2006 near Albany, NY the syndrome has quickly spread into winter hibernation sites (hibernaculum) all over the eastern United States. As of last winter (2009-2010) there have been several confirmed sites of White-nose Syndrome within Ontario and Quebec. It is now thought that the syndrome has affected every cave containing bats within the state of New York (source).
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- Identifying compounds that will kill Geomyces destructans
- Looking at how WNS is transmitted and finding control measures
- Developing a quick method for testing for WNS
- Continuing the effort of conducting population surveys
- Tracking the movements of WNS.
One does not expect to find a positive side to the WNS in this very grim subject. However, there may be something good with WNS after all! Through all of this it is easy to get caught up with the factual information and overlook a very important aspect that should be recognized. WNS has brought many of us together; the RP Biologists doing full time studies, the volunteers putting in countless hours, the concerned citizens wanting to help the distressed bats, the elementary school-kids writing letters to the government asking to fund research. I think this is important because when we all come together we can do amazing things and these bats have a fighting chance against this devastating disease.
There is still a chance to be a super hero. Will you be the next Batman or Batwoman?
Have any questions or do you think you have the answer to all our prayers? I want to hear from you! Please leave a comment below.
