Investigating Unusual Bat Deaths

  • Thread starter Thread starter Far Star
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the unusual deaths of bats, prompting an investigation into potential causes, including environmental factors and disease. Participants explore the implications of these deaths on bat behavior and ecology, touching on aspects of migration and health in relation to a specific fungus identified in affected populations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern over the implications of bat die-offs, noting the ecological role bats play in controlling insect populations.
  • One participant questions whether all bat species migrate, suggesting that some may enter a torpid state during winter.
  • Another participant mentions the identification of the fungus g. fusarium affecting bats in a New England cave, linking it to observed behaviors such as starvation and proximity to cave entrances.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the migration habits of bats, and there are multiple viewpoints regarding the causes of the bat deaths and the role of the identified fungus.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include a lack of detailed information on the specific species affected, the full impact of the identified fungus, and the broader ecological consequences of the bat die-offs.

Biology news on Phys.org
Well, this can't be good. I know so very little about bats, except that they eat a ton of bugs. Do all bats migrate?
 
hypatia said:
Well, this can't be good. I know so very little about bats, except that they eat a ton of bugs. Do all bats migrate?


No, there are species that spend the winter in a cold, torpid state.
 
They appear to be finding this in a New England cave as well. The fungus affecting some of the bats has been identified as g. fusarium.

The bats are exhibiting the same behavior as in other caves. Many appear to be starving and they're staying as close to the entrance as possible.
 

Similar threads

Large Moth Wing Tails Are Anti-Bat Counter Measures
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Marburg case in Gueckedou prefecture, Guinea, W. Africa
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Determining the time of death of victims of poisoning
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep) and surge of infections
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
COVID Excess Mortality Redux: Investigating the Underestimation of COVID-19 Deaths
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Medical Acute severe Hepatitis in Children, theories as to causation
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Caffeine & Obesity: Scientists Explore Impact on Brown Fat
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
7K
Amtrak derailment, Sept. 25, 2021, near Joplin, Montana, US
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Lesser long nosed nectar bats have left
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Death of 3 Dogs After Drinking Water from Kent Lake: Investigation Begins
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K