by PYoungbaer » Feb 9, 2014 11:57 am
I have been waiting to see this report. This biennial report on the Indiana bat surveys is one of the best longitudinal pictures we have of an endangered bat species, and, in particular, one affected by WNS. The chart is very understandable, and I urge everyone to take a few minutes to check it out.
Here's what I note:
1. Most surprising, no significant impact in the major habitat region, which includes Indiana. That region contains 81% of the known population. While WNS has been found in Indiana, it's effect on Indiana bats has not been significant to date. Now, given the two-year lag time in effect on Indianas vs. Little browns in Hellhole, for example, we may find a greater impact in another two years. However, personally, I would have thought we'd have seen it by now - seven years after the NSS Convention brought pre-deconned cavers from the Northeast to the state (myself included).
2. New York shows signs of recovery.
3. West Virginia shows significant decline, consistent with the field reports, such as the major loss of I-bats in Hellhole Cave
4. Most other areas show little or no change, and given the small numbers, probably not statistically significant. The one state that bears additional attention, in my opinion, is Arkansas. It's proximity to Missouri and that state's reported Indiana bat population decline well prior to WNS may indicate other habitat issues for the species separate from WNS. Now, Missouri bat researchers were noting that decline prior to the recent discovery of the major new hibernaculum mentioned in the chart - with over 100,000 Indianas.
5. Bottom line is that despite some significant losses in particular states and sites, the overall Indiana bat population is relatively stable.