Bat populations across eastern North America are at risk of extinction to the rapid spread of a devastating disease called white-nose syndrome. The fungus that causes this disease was discovered by scientists at the National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, WI. Now NWHC scientists, in collaboration with local state wildlife health agencies in affected areas, are working to learn more about the white-nose syndrome and control its impact on bat species.
Bat populations across eastern North America are at risk of extinction -- possibly within just 16 years -- as a result of the spreading incidence of white-nose syndrome, according to a study published this week in Science.
"I think people who study and care about bats had a sense that something this dire was happening," said evolutionary physiologist Craig Willis of the University of Winnipeg, who did not participate in the study. But, he added, "the speed -- the 16 year timeline -- I think was a bit of a surprise."
"It's a sobering analysis," agreed microbiologist David Blehert of the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, who was also not involved in the research.
"It's a sobering analysis," agreed microbiologist David Blehert of the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, who was also not involved in the research.
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