Tropical Torpor: Thermal Ecology of Threatened Bats

Outside the temperate zones, thermal biology (i.e., energy expenditure, microclimate choices) of bats is poorly understood. This leaves wildlife managers with little ability to set conservation priorities for tropical and sub-tropical bats in response to extreme heat events due to climate change and infectious disease. A recent risk assessment predicted that the disease white-nose syndrome (WNS) will arrive in Australia before 2029, and 30% of Australia’s cave-dwelling bats may be in danger due to their hypothesized microclimate preferences. Thus, data on thermal biology for Australian bats are critical to identify vulnerable populations and guide pre-emptive conservation efforts to protect at-risk species. Integrating thermal biology data into species distribution models allows for more accurate predictions of habitat suitability under climate change to prioritize conservation of bats at greatest risk. This project will rely on acoustic monitoring to test the influence of weather variation on bat activity, temperature telemetry to track bats to roosts and quantify expression of torpor (i.e., periods of reduced body temperature) and microclimate preferences, and respirometry to quantify metabolic rate at different temperatures. We will then use these data to refine risk assessments for WNS and extreme heat and make recommendations about most important habitats for protection.

Faculty Supervisor:

Craig Willis

Student:

Partner:

University of New England

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health)

University:

University of Winnipeg

Program: