White-nose syndrome surveillance FY2015. Final Performance Report

Publication Type:

Report

Authors:

Dixon, Rita D.

Source:

Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise, ID, p.7 + app (2016)

Call Number:

U16DIX01IDUS

Keywords:

bats, Little Brown Myotis, Myotis sp., Myotis spp., Pseudogymnoascus destructans, Townsend's Big-Eared Bat, Western Small-footed Myotis, white-nose syndrome, Yuma Myotis

Abstract:

This performance report (in partial fulfillment of grant requirements) summarizes both objectives and work accomplished toward the goal of obtaining pre-white-nose syndrome (WNS) baseline data on bat distribution in Idaho and the goal of minimizing the risk of WNS/Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) spread to Idaho bat populations. Objectives accomplished toward acquiring baseline data include purchasing acoustic equipment to increase the abilities for bat monitoring at a relatively low cost; conducting surveys of bat maternity colonies at Old Swan Falls power plant to check for evidence of disease (to be annual survey), as well as maternity counts at Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge and, with other federal partners, at several priority hibernacula during winter 2015–2016. Toward minimizing the risk of spread of WNS, objectives accomplished include implementing North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) monitoring program protocol for colony counts and acoustic monitoring; collecting swab samples for disease detection during spring emergence at four sites; working with Caribou-Targhee National Forest to give cave guides a presentation on WNS and bat ecology to better increase their understanding of the disease and assist them with communicating with the public; giving other presentations; and beginning to update Idaho Department of Fish and Game's WNS web page.