The Geomyces fungi: ecology and distribution
BioScience
By: Mark A. Hayes
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Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a devastating disease affecting hibernating bats, first documented in winter 2006 in eastern North America. Over 5.5 million bats of several species may have died as a result of this disease. The fungus Geomyces destructans is now considered the causal agent of WNS, and this species may have been recently introduced into North American bat hibernation habitats. This overview summarizes the ecology and distribution of Geomyces fungi. Species in this genus are common in the soils of temperate and high-latitude ecosystems and are capable of withstanding and thriving in cold, low-nutrient polar environments. These species are dispersed by wind, groundwater, arthropods, birds, and mammals and are carried by humans, their clothing, and their equipment. These characteristics present significant challenges to biologists, managers, and others charged with controlling the spread of WNS and G. destructans in other parts of North America and the biosphere.
Suggested Citation
Hayes, M.A., 2012, The Geomyces fungi: ecology and distribution: BioScience, v. 62, no. 9, p. 819-823, https://doi.org/10.1525/bio.2012.62.9.7.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | The Geomyces fungi: ecology and distribution |
| Series title | BioScience |
| DOI | 10.1525/bio.2012.62.9.7 |
| Volume | 62 |
| Issue | 9 |
| Year Published | 2012 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Institute of Biological Sciences |
| Publisher location | Washington, D.C. |
| Description | 5 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | BioScience |
| First page | 819 |
| Last page | 823 |