White-Nose syndrome is a fungal disease, as suggested by the name, that grows white fuzz on the noses or wings of animals affected. Scientists believe that the disease was brought from either Europe or Asia by humans. The deadly effects of this disease was proven when biologists created an artificial colony of bats who they exposed the fungal to, and where after a winter of hibernation, only less than a third of the entire colony survived. To tackle this problem, scientists have converted two of the 43 bunkers at the former Loring Air Force Base in Maine into a safe artificial hibernacula. The bunkers were modified by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to fit the endangered US bat species due to this deadly disease.
Article:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22354517
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It’s horrible that this disease exists, but I’m glad that something can be done to try and help. At first I was confused as to why the bunkers would be used, as I didn’t see what they would do to help, but now I get it. It’s a good idea, especially since these bunkers are so convenient and easier to clean than a natural habitat.
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ReplyDeleteI think that us recycling our bunkers into habitats is just cool. Do you think it's coincidence that we used bunkers to keep us safe from bombs, and now we are using them to keep bats safe?
ReplyDeleteI don't want the disease by the way. Sounds just awful.