Geomyces destructans Fungus Found in Europe Without Mass Bat Deaths
Author Information
Author(s): Puechmaille Sébastien J., Wibbelt Gudrun, Korn Vanessa, Fuller Hubert, Forget Frédéric, Mühldorfer Kristin, Kurth Andreas, Bogdanowicz Wieslaw, Borel Christophe, Bosch Thijs, Cherezy Thomas, Drebet Mikhail, Görföl Tamás, Haarsma Anne-Jifke, Herhaus Frank, Hallart Guénael, Hammer Matthias, Jungmann Christian, Le Bris Yann, Lutsar Lauri, Masing Matti, Mulkens Bart, Passior Karsten, Starrach Martin, Wojtaszewski Andrzej, Zöphel Ulrich, Teeling Emma C.
Primary Institution: School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Hypothesis
Is Geomyces destructans present in Europe without causing mass mortality in bats?
Conclusion
The fungus Geomyces destructans is widespread in Europe but does not cause mass mortalities in bats.
Supporting Evidence
- The fungus was confirmed in eight countries across Europe.
- Photographic evidence supports the presence of the fungus in additional countries.
- No mass mortality was reported in any of the sites studied.
- The fungus appears to be native to Europe, as it does not cause mass deaths like in North America.
Takeaway
Scientists found a fungus on bats in Europe that doesn't seem to make them sick, unlike in North America where it causes many deaths.
Methodology
Data on bats with white fungal growth were collected from 12 European countries between 2003 and 2010, with morphological and genetic analyses performed to confirm the fungus.
Potential Biases
Potential sampling bias may affect the perceived distribution of the fungus.
Limitations
The study may be limited by sampling bias, as regions with more underground sites were more likely to report cases.
Participant Demographics
Bats from eight different species of Myotis were included in the study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website