Notice of Intent: Do Western Bat Species Possess Natural Defenses to White-nose syndrome?

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White-nose Syndrome (WNS), caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) threatens bat populations throughout the US, and has spread as far west as Oklahoma and Nebraska and most recently in Washington. WNS is predicted to arrive in New Mexico within five years. WNS-free areas, such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park (CAVE), provide critical opportunities for understanding and using natural bat defenses. Our previous results at CAVE identified 18 Actinobacteria (key antibiotic producers) that can inhibit Pd in lab studies (50% of all isolates showing inhibition). We propose to use genetic sequencing (genome and transcriptomics) to identify the actual antimicrobial compounds being produced on bats. This will reveal which bacteria on bats are actively producing antifungals in the wild to identify the most promising candidates for WNS biocontrol. To promote public education and outreach about WNS and its impact on bats to CAVE's large visitor population, we propose to work with local schools and to create an interpretive 360 panorama of Bat Cave, ranger minutes about bat biology and CAVE WNS research, and a children's book about bats and WNS.

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