Reproductive trends in Little Brown Bats before and after the onset of white-nose syndrome in Virginia

Journal of North American Bat Research
By: , and 

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Abstract

Myotis lucifugus (Little Brown Bat) declines in Virginia following white-nose syndrome (WNS) prompted an investigation into reproductive behaviors of surviving individuals. To examine reproductive change, we examined female bats prior to, during and after endemism establishment. We also examined capture trends of juveniles at maternity colonies. Timing and proportion of reproductive conditions did not differ except for reductions in lactating females during WNS invasion relative to the pre-WNS period. There was no significant difference in the proportion of juveniles between WNS-endemic years, indicating population recovery is slow. Of 78 recaptures, 2 individuals survived >8 years, suggesting individual longevity after WNS endemism. Our findings emphasize the value of long-term datasets to assess reproductive status of Little Brown Bats.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Reproductive trends in Little Brown Bats before and after the onset of white-nose syndrome in Virginia
Series title Journal of North American Bat Research
Volume 2
Issue 6
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher Eagle Hill Institute
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Leetown
Description 12 p.
First page 1
Last page 12
Country United States
State Virginia
Additional publication details