White nose syndrome has killed over 90% of northern long-eared, little brown and tri colored bat populations in fewer than 10 years. There have also been declines in Indiana bat and big brown bat populations. The findings underscore the severity of white-nose syndrome on hibernating bats in North America. This is a devastating deadly fungal disease. The impacts of white-nose syndrome on bat poulations have been swift and severe. It affects hibernting bats and is caused by an invasive, cold-loving fungus. The fungus grows on bats' skin, disturbing their hibernation, resulting in dehydration, starvation and often death. The disease has been confirmed in 12 North American bat species.
The severity of the impact of this disease on bat populations is staggering. Nine out of 10 bats of the most vulnerable species are now gone. Bats are essential to our ecosystems. If you've ever been to Carlsbad Caverns or another bat cave and watched the bats exit the cave at dusk, you realize their importance. They are out hunting insects and small mammals at night, and are vitally important in maintaining the balance of nature.
Bats may not be the cutest mammal on the planet, but they are of vital importance in keeping the insect population under control. At this time there is no known cure for white-nose syndrome. Bats eat insects and are critical pest controllers. It is estimated that in the U.S. alone, bats save farmers at least $3.7 billion per year in pest control services.
No comments:
Post a Comment