GAČR GAP506/12/1064
Geomycosis is a newly recognised fungal disease of hibernating bats that is associated with the emerging white-nose syndrome in North America. It manifests with white growth of fungus Geomyces destructans on muzzle and wings. The extreme bat mortality associated with the disease in North America was not observed in Europe. Assuming that bats in Europe share long evolutionary history with the geomycosis, we plan to investigate ecological, behavioural and genetic adaptations to the G. destructans infection. Estimating environmental conditions limiting fungal growth will enable us to create a predictive distribution model of geomycosis. We will assess winter flight activity of bats before and after the first record of geomycosis and we will estimate the role of clustering behaviour in preventing arousal disturbance of infected bats. We will locate genomic regions likely to be involved in genetic adaptations to geomycosis. This information will help to understand the adaptive mechanisms leading to survival differences between North America and Europe.
Project period 3/2012 – 12/2015