Description
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is providing funding for research and conservation action to support the management of white-nose syndrome (WNS) and susceptible bat species. The goal of this funding opportunity is to address critical information needs to inform management decisions and to implement management actions for susceptible bats. Funded projects will investigate priority questions to improve the ability to manage the disease and implement management actions that will help to conserve affected bat species. Some of the key priorities for this funding opportunity include assessing disease dynamics and population impacts, supporting research to improve critical knowledge relevant to WNS risk and management decisions, and taking management action aimed at building resiliency and promoting recovery in hibernating bat populations.
• Characterize disease dynamics and impacts to bats facing the invasion stage of WNS
• Understand genetic signatures and/or traits that influence variation in susceptibility, resilience, and severity of WNS within or between species
• Implement adaptive management programs to improve survival and persistence of bat populations currently being or soon to be impacted by WNS
• Develop and implement strategies to support biological and ecological needs of hibernating bat populations, including management actions to promote resilience to climate change and other future stressors