For more information, contact Melanie Rapp, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902
Bat Spotter volunteers needed to help scientists for Delaware Bat Count 2011
DOVER (May, 6, 2011) – DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife biologists, conducting the Delaware Bat Count 2011, are seeking bat spotters to help in locating the state’s bat colonies. The Bat Count is a statewide research study of bat populations, breeding activity and the overall health of the bats that inhabit our state.
“A bat colony can be found in a barn, attic, tree, bat box or under a bridge – anywhere a group of bats may hang out,” said biologist Holly Niederriter. “We are doing everything possible to protect our state’s bats and are asking Delaware residents to join the Delaware Bat Count and report locations and colonies in their area.”
Two free training sessions for new and experienced bat spotters are being offered May 12 and again May 24 at the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Aquatic Resources Education Center, 4876 Hay Point Landing Road in Smyrna. Both training sessions begin at 7 p.m. Volunteer spotters will learn how to count and report an adopted bat colony, and will be asked to commit to counting their colony at least twice this summer. Reservations can be made by contacting Erin Adams, erin.adams@state.de.us, 302-735-8669 or Amy Schneider, amy.schneider@state.de.us, 302-735-8671.
In Delaware, bats feed at night on insects, many of which are pest species like mosquitoes. Some eat moths and beetles that damage our crops. “They’re providing us with a valuable and free service, so it’s to our great benefit to have them around,” Niederriter said.
A study published in the April 1 issue of Science magazine’s Policy Forum suggests that bats could be one of the most economically-valuable wildlife to North American farmers. The study suggested that nationwide bats save farmers at least $3.7 million annually by reducing the amount of pesticides that need to be applied to crops.
However, bat populations are in serious trouble due to White-nose Syndrome (WNS). WNS has killed off bats in large numbers, causing as much as 100 percent bat mortality at some winter hibernation sites in other states. And, in each year since 2006, WNS has been spreading to new locations.
In 2010 in Delaware, the fungus was confirmed on live bats returning to their summer roost sites. However, Niederriter said, “We don’t know if or how it affects summering bat colonies yet. The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife is working closely with other state biologists to monitor the effects of this horrible disease, and the public can be of big help, too, through the Delaware Bat Count 2011.”
WNS is characterized by a white fungus on the face, wings and tails of bats while they’re in cold, winter hibernation locations. In winter, the sick bats often awaken, leave the caves and starve. Since Delaware doesn’t have caves or mines for hibernating bats, scientists haven’t documented the large numbers of dead bats that other states have reported. However, since many of Delaware’s bats migrate from other states, bat colonies are likely to be affected by the disease.
Tracking the numbers of adult bats early in summer tells biologists roughly how many bats returned from hibernation. Counts of adults and pups flying in July provide critical information about how well the bats are reproducing. Over time, these counts will help determine how WNS is impacting Delaware’s bats in the summer.
Find out more about the Delaware Bat program on Facebook, or at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/bats
For more information, contact Division of Fish and Wildlife biologists Holly Niederriter, 302-735-8670 or Erin Adams, 302-735-8669.
Vol. 41, No. 181
