Máistir Nádúraí: White-nose Syndrome

3.09.2009

White-nose Syndrome

Though not a bird related article, I think the White-nose Syndrome (WNS) that's killing bats is a very important ecological issue to follow. This malady is named for a white fungal growth appearing around the muzzles and wings of bats as they hibernate in caves. The mortality rate of WNS is high; bat populations at some caves have declined as much as 90% in a relatively short timeframe – entire bat species are potentially at risk. It was discovered in caves in New York in 2006 and has since spread to Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut during 2008. Already this year it's been confirmed in New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The cause of WNS remains elusive. The latest issue of The Nature Conservancy's magazine features an article on the plight that's killing our bats and is a very worthwhile read.

Link: In the Dark - The Nature Conservancy

© 2009 Mike McDowell

Bio:

Mike McDowell has been documenting southern Wisconsin’s flora and fauna since 1987 and began leading field trips in 2002. Prolific at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, other highlighted natural areas include Pope Farm Conservancy, Spring Green Preserve, and the Baraboo Hills. His nature photography has appeared in various publications, newspapers, magazines and was even featured on a Wisconsin Endangered Resources license plate, a Capital Brewery beer label, and a National Geographic publication. He began journaling nature observations on this blog in 2005. He's the recipient of the 2012 Bronze Passenger Pigeon Award from the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their local communities or state to promote the field of ornithology. He was a finalist in Swarovski’s Digiscoper of the Year photography contest several times. His other interests include insect macro-photography (especially tiger beetles, treehoppers, and robber flies), fossil collecting, amateur astronomy, botany, natural history, and marksmanship with long-range rifles. Once a gigging musician, collecting Fender Stratocasters is a recently revived interest—most prized being a 1957 Vintage Custom Shop 'Mary Kaye' White Blonde. A former IT Professional, he's spent the last 24 years employed in the sport optics industry.