Applying conservation physiology in response to a devastating wildlife disease, white-nose syndrome in bats
Author:
Dzal Yvonne A.,Willis Craig K.R.
Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal skin disease that has killed millions of bats since its introduction to North America around 2007. Despite rapid and unprecedented mortality of multiple bat species from WNS, some bats suffer little to no impact. While a conservation physiology approach has allowed for tremendous progress connecting WNS pathophysiology with population impacts, a fundamental question about the disease remains: why does a simple skin infection disrupt hibernation behaviour and energetics in some bats but not others? Here we review what is known about pathophysiological processes in hibernating bats with WNS, and connections between these processes and population impacts. We then outline how a conservation physiology approach has been useful for informing our understanding of resistance and tolerance mechanisms, and conclude by showing how conservation physiology could help with the design of mitigation strategies and treatments for WNS and other infectious diseases of wildlife.
Publisher
Oxford University Press