Develop a Bat Population and Disease Monitoring Program
Doty A. 2026. Develop a Bat Population and Disease Monitoring Program. National Park Service
Between 2022-2024, myself (Anna Doty) along with graduate and undergraduate students at California State University, Sacramento established a bat disease and population monitoring program within Sequoia National Park. The primary objectives of the study were to assess bats in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for evidence of White-nose syndrome, and to establish a population monitoring protocol in Sequoia National Park. At least 25 bats were sampled for evidence of disease within the park each year (2022-2024) primarily between April-September. Additionally, seven acoustic monitors were placed in the park over four elevational gradients to establish a baseline for future comparison should white-nose syndrome be detected within the park boundaries. The objectives of this study were successfully carried out. No sampled bats tested positive for evidence of white-nose syndrome or presence of the fungus that causes the disease, Pseudogymnoascus destructans.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Doty, Anna
- Date of Issue
- 2026-03
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- SEQU
- Keywords
- acoustic monitor, bat, cave, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, White-nose syndrome
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Infestations and Disease | Animal Diseases , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Mammals , Ecological Framework: Landscapes | Soundscape | Soundscape , NPS.gov Subject Site: Bats