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Economic Importance of Bats in Agriculture

Economic Importance of Bats in Agriculture. Justin G. Boyles, Paul M. Cryan , Gary F. McCracken, Thomas H. Kunz. Bryn Zomar. White-Nose Syndrome (WNS). Infectious disease H ibernating cave-dwelling bats Geomyces destructans Infects skin

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Economic Importance of Bats in Agriculture

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  1. Economic Importance of Bats in Agriculture Justin G. Boyles, Paul M. Cryan, Gary F. McCracken, Thomas H. Kunz Bryn Zomar

  2. White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) • Infectious disease • Hibernating cave-dwelling bats • Geomycesdestructans • Infects skin • Triggers alterations in behaviour and/or physiology • Estimate over 1 million bats killed

  3. Since first observed in Feb 2006 has spread from New York, west of the Appalachians and into Canada

  4. Previous Research • White-Nose Syndrome Fungus (Geomycesdestructans) in Bats, Europe • Gudrun Wibbelt et al. • Emerging Infectious Diseases 2010

  5. Previous Research cont. • Conducted study in Europe to determine presence and effect of G. destructans • Bats highly protected so took touch imprints and fur clippings • Used light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, PCR and cultures

  6. Previous Research cont.

  7. Previous Research cont. • 23 bats tested • PCR found 21 • Cultures found 8

  8. Previous Research cont. • G. destructans found to be present in Europe • Deaths characteristic of WNS in North America not found in Europe • Hypotheses: • Hibernation population density differences • Coevolution of bats and fungus in Europe

  9. Wind Turbines • Effects migratory tree-dwelling species • Why is a mystery • By 2020 33,000-111,000 bats killed annually in Mid-Atlantic Highlands

  10. Bugs 1 colony (150 big brown bats) = 1.3 million insects/year 1 million bats est. died due to WNS = 660-1320 metric tons of insects no longer consumed

  11. What does this mean? • Cotton-dominated Texas, $74/acre saved on pesticides thanks to bats • Value of bats est. between $3.7-$53 billion/year

  12. Agricultural Impacts • If loss of bats continues in same way can expect economic losses in next 4-5 years • Long generation times and low reproductive rates = population unlikely to recover

  13. Just North America? • So far WNS confined to N.A. but possibility of spreading unknown • Wind turbines already known to kill bats in Europe

  14. What can we do? • Restrict spread • Close mines and caves • Fungal decontamination protocols • Diagnostics • Early detection of infection • Define disease mechanisms • Biological/chemical control • Increase disease resistance through habitat modification • Culling of infected bats • Alter operation of turbines during high-risk periods

  15. Scientists Role • More effective methods for educating the public and policy-makers about economic services provided by bats • Conservation important for integrity of ecosystems

  16. Future Research • Methods to prevent the spread of WNS • Potential impacts of WNS in BC • Possible immunity of bats in Europe to fungus • New insecticides • Side effects of insecticides in the environment (impacts of increased use)

  17. Discussion Questions • How do you think wind turbines are effecting bat populations? • What methods can you think of to help reduce the impact of WNS on bat populations? • Imagine WNS has spread west to BC, how would this effect us and how could you reduce/remedy these effects?

  18. References Wibbelt, G., A. Kurth, D. Hellmann, M. Weishaar, A. Barlow, M. Veith, J. Prüger, T. Görföl, L. Grosche, F. Bontadina, U. Zöphel, H. P. Seidl, P. M. Cryan, and D. S. Blehert. 2010. White-nose syndrome fungus (Geomycesdestructans) in bats, Europe. Emerging Infectious Diseases 16: 1237- 1242. Boyles, J. G., P. M. Cryan, G. F. McCracken, T. H. Kunz. 2011. Economic Importance of Bats in Agriculture. Science 332: 41-42.

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