Project T-78-R1

Project Title: White Nose Syndrome & Illinois Bat Populations: Biology & Monitoring

Community and/or Species Focus:

1. Establish a monitoring program for the rapid and early detection of the fungus, G. destructans, on bat specimens around Illinois
2. Characterize the background microbial load present in potential bat vectors of G. destructans
3. Characterize the establishment potential of G. destructans in Illinois cave environments

1. ​Documented the first detection of white-nose syndrome in Illinois bats and the first appearance of its agent, P. destructans
2. Determined that microbial communities on bats closely resemble those of their roost surfaces, suggesting a potential avenue for P. destructans
3. Documented changes in soil microbial communities that coincided with the presence of P. destructans, which provided clues about its ecology and possible interactions to combat its spread

Post-Project Survey (if applicable): n/a

Project Period: 8/1/11 - 9/30/14

Principle Investigator(s):