Census of the Bat Population of Gannon University, Erie, PA

Abstract:

For the past twelve summers, a census of the bat population has occurred on the Gannon University campus in Erie, PA. The numbers for the first three years held relatively steady, but the data for the past eight years indicates a dramatic decline. White Nose Syndrome was first reported in 2006 in a cave in New York. The disease has killed an estimated 7 million bats in the eastern United States since then and has spread throughout Pennsylvania and into northeastern Ohio. This fungal infection has killed 95% of bats in some caves and may result in the listing of three bat species as endangered in Pennsylvania, including /M. lucifugus/ the predominant bat on the Gannon campus. This study will compare yearly data by building, time of year, building side and species composition to determine how White Nose Syndrome has affected the Gannon campus bats. A decrease in numbers may be partially responsible for an increase in West Nile Virus in the area. The results will also be used to place bat houses at appropriate locations to encourage bat presence on campus. A compilation of ongoing results of the study reveals a rapid decline of the bat population in Erie Pennsylvania between the summer of 2012 and the summer of 2013, which has yet to bounce back. The conclusion of our study at this time is that bat presence, including, but not limited to that of /M. lucifugus/, have been negatively affected by the presence of White Nose Syndrome.