But, I think this is more important and not discussed enough outside the biological sciences community. I have been reading a lot of articles recently about the decline of regional bat populations due to a fungal infection known as white-nose syndrome (caused by Geomyces destructans). This is still not well understood, but it affects the populations when they are hibernating, or should be rather. It seems to cause the bats to exert energy when they should be conserving it for their hibernation period. Bats form colonies as part of their life strategy, leading to large scale infections due to close quarters and in turn increased vulnerability. Some studies are suggesting an infected colony will lose 90-100% of bats during the winter. The devastating effects of this fungus will definitely be seen during this season, massive losses are expected for the Eastern US bat populations. The infection is spreading westward, but the new range cannot be determined until this hibernation period is over.
This has unfortunate and obvious parallels to the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) causing worldwide amphibian declines. Chytrid is far more wide spread at this point, but began in similar localized regions.
Scary.
Here's some literature if you feel like reading more about white-nose syndrome:
Bat Conservation International article
Discovery article
Discovery article 2
Nature article
Bats are unique, fascinating creatures. If you haven't checked out the Bat Conservation International website before spend some time on their after you finish the article.
Depressing post I know, but it is cases like this that demonstrate why wildlife biology and conservation are of the utmost importance.
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