Changes in bat activity following the invasion of a fungus that causes white nose syndrome in Nova Scotia

Millions of bats have died in eastern North America since the introduction of the invasive fungus known as white-nose syndrome (WNS) in 2006. This fungus is rapidly spreading through bat-to-bat contact during hibernation. The impact of WNS in Nova Scotia is estimated to be 95% mortality based on the population estimates at a select few hibernation sites. It is unknown how this has affected the region’s summer population of bats and particularly the isolated population of Tri-colored bats. I will use bat echolocation and acoustic monitors to detect surviving bats and compare this to data collected before the arrival of WNS at 90 sites across southwest Nova Scotia. This will assess the impact of WNS pre- to post-introduction and determine changes in species and activity. My study will be used to inform the recovery potential of bats and fill the information gap on how WNS has affected nationally endangered species.

Faculty Supervisor:

Hugh Broders

Student:

Partner:

Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: