Benefits of Knowing the Costs of Disturbance to Hibernating Bats

Management of caves where bats hibernate generally consists of limiting access by humans. This management strategy was successful in the 20th century, when the main conservation concern for most cavernicolous bats species was disturbance during hibernation. However, the conservation landscape of the 21st century is different. Currently, the most pressing concern for hibernating bats, at least in North America, is the high mortality rate associated with White-nose Syndrome (WNS). It is unclear if traditional management strategies that greatly limit researcher access are still the most appropriate balance between costs of disturbances and benefits of knowledge gained about WNS. Regulatory agencies must base management strategies on the best available science. Unfortunately, the best available science pertaining to the costs of disturbance to hibernating bats is often decades old and lags far behind our understanding of other aspects of hibernation physiology and ecology. I suggest research aimed at fully understanding costs of disturbance and benefits of research in hibernation sites should be a priority for biologists and regulatory personnel alike. (c) 2017 The Wildlife Society.