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White-nose syndrome-related changes to Mid-Atlantic bat communities across an urban-to-rural gradient

BMC Zoology
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40850-021-00079-5

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Abstract

Background

White-nose Syndrome (WNS) has reduced the abundance of many bat species within the United States’ Mid-Atlantic region. To determine changes within the National Park Service National Capital Region (NCR) bat communities, we surveyed the area with mist netting and active acoustic sampling (2016–2018) and compared findings to pre-WNS (2003–2004) data.

Results

The results indicated the continued presence of the threatened Myotis septentrionalis (Northern Long-eared bat) and species of conservation concern, including Perimyotis subflavus (Tri-colored bat), Myotis leibii (Eastern Small-footed bat) and Myotis lucifugus (Little Brown bat). However, we documented a significant reduction in the abundance and distribution of M. lucifugus and P. subflavus, a decrease in the distribution of M. septentrionalis, and an increase in the abundance of Eptesicus fuscus (Big Brown bat).

Conclusions

Documented post-WNS M. septentrionalis recruitment suggests that portions of the NCR may be important bat conservation areas. Decreases in distribution and abundance of P. subflavus and M. lucifugus indicate probable extirpation from many previously occupied portions of the region.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title White-nose syndrome-related changes to Mid-Atlantic bat communities across an urban-to-rural gradient
Series title BMC Zoology
DOI 10.1186/s40850-021-00079-5
Volume 6
Year Published 2021
Language English
Publisher Springer Nature
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Leetown
Description 12, 11 p.
First page 1
Last page 11
Country United States
State Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia
Other Geospatial District of Columbia
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