Research Objectives

• Perform literature review to understand WNS and growth patterns and determine ideal Myotis hibernation conditions

• Utilize this information to design an artificial bat hibernaculum to reduce the spread of WNS

Design of Artificial Bat Hibernaculum to Reduce Spread of White Nose Syndrome in Myotis Bats

Ayesha Abdullah1, Zara Dowling2, Dr. Paul Sievert2, Dr. Ben Weil2

1University of Delaware, 2University of Massachusetts Amherst

Introduction

White Nose Syndrome (WNS), a disease caused by a fungus identified as Pseudogymnoascus destructans, is a cause of high mortality in Myotis bats. Researchers have seen 90-100% population declines at hibernation sites in the Northeast US and Canada over the past decade [1]. Infection involves skin erosion (e.g. wings) and white fungal growth on the muzzle [2]; it also results in frequent arousals from hibernation, and subsequent starvation since arousal significantly increases metabolism [3]. We focused on Northern Long-eared Bats (Myotis septentrionalis) which have been federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act since 2015.

Literature Review Findings

WNS Growth• Spreads through contact with spores, and primarily affects bats during

the hibernation period [2]• Grows within hibernaculum; therefore high density populations are at

the highest risk of infection [2]• Grows optimally between 10-15˚C and in high humidity [4,5]

Bat Hibernation• Hibernate from November to April [6]• Prefer cold, humid caves and mines; deep cracks to crawl into [6]• Temperature ranges from 2-14˚C [7]• Metabolism drops to 1% of resting rate, which brings body temperature

to within 1-2˚C of ambient [8]• Metabolism can increase at temperatures below 2 ˚C [8]

• ~90% humidity; high humidity prevents evaporative water loss [8]• Arousal accounts for 80-90% of energy expenditure throughout

hibernation period [8]• Theory: WNS may dehydrate bats, resulting in arousal to rehydrate [3]

• Frequent arousals can cause starvation

THE DESIGNTarget Conditions:• 6-9˚C• ~80% humidity and water source• Relatively cheap (<$1000)• Accessible for annual sterilization and

anti-fungal application• Independent power source

Structural Materials• OSB walls: foam boards between two OSB panels• Tyvek wrapping for water/weather resistance• Insulation: maintain stable temperature

• Foam boards inside wall panels• Fiberglass batt around entrance and under roof truss

Water and Humidity• Dog pool: provides close, easily

accessible water source for bats and humidity through evaporation • Eco-Earth: increases wet surface

area for higher humidity• PVC pipes: to replenish water supply • Stick: to check water level through

submerged PVC pipe

AcknowledgementsSpecial thanks to: Jeremy Coleman and Jonathan Reichard of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; Mark King of Maine DEP; and Greg Turner and Mike

Scafini of the PA Game Commission for their help and advice on bat hibernation conditions. Also a special mention to all those that made the 2017 UMass Wind Energy REU possible. This project was funded by the NSF, grant #1460461

Antifungal• Any growth cleaned annually• Chitosan film prepared with acetic acid (sprayed and film allowed to form overnight) [9,10]• Cold-pressed terpeneless orange oil• Both non-toxic and biodegradable options that effectively inhibit WNS growth [9,11]

References[1] M. L. Verant et al., BMC Physiology, vol. 14, no. 1, p. 10, 2014.[2] G. G. Turner et al., Bat Research News, vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 13–27, 2011.[3] J. R. Hoyt et al., PLoS ONE, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 1–12, 2015.[4] D. S. Blehert et al., Science, vol. 323, no. January, pp. 227–227, 2009.[5] K. E. Langwig et al., Ecology Letters, vol. 15, no. 9, pp. 1050–1057, 2012.[6] US Fish & Wildlife Service, “Species Profile for Northern long-eared Bat

(Myotis septentrionalis),” Environmental Conservation Online System.

[7] P. I. Webb et al., Canadian Journal of Zoology, vol. 74, no. 4, pp. 761–765, 1996.

[8] D. W. Thomas et al., Physiological Zoology, vol. 65, no. 2, pp. 443–456, 1992.

[9] M. R. Ã, Progress in Polymer Science, vol. 31, pp. 603–632, 2006.[10] L. Sun et al., Carbohydrate Polymers, vol. 163, pp. 81–91, 2017.[11] N. Boire et al., PLos ONE, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 1–10, 2016.

Figure 1. Water and humidity system inside the hibernaculum.

Figure 2. Full outer view of hibernaculum with P-trap entrance (purple foam) and pitched roof truss. The structure stands on a wooden palette with sheeting, and will be covered in waterproof wrapping for protection.

Figure 3. Access hatch in side wall (left) and small door inside roof frame (right) of the hibernaculum. The hatch will be sealed during hibernation season, and the door allows access to freezer packs.

Temperature Control• Arduino-based differential temperature controller

• Small fan blows cooler outside air in• Light bulb provides freeze protection

• Solar panel and small battery provide power• Freezer packs

• temperatures in October not low enough• P-Trap Entrance based on reverse igloo design – allows

for air flow while restricting warmer air in the top

Figure 4. Differential temperature controller operating a small fan.