Disease and community structure: white-nose syndrome alters spatial and temporal niche partitioning in sympatric bat species

David S. Jachowski; Chris A. Dobony; Laci S. Coleman; William M. Ford; Eric R. Britzke; Jane Rodrigue; Brian Leung

doi:10.1111/ddi.12192

Treesearch

Disease and community structure: white-nose syndrome alters spatial and temporal niche partitioning in sympatric bat species

Formally Refereed

Authors:

David S. Jachowski, Chris A. Dobony, Laci S. Coleman, William M. Ford, Eric R. Britzke, Jane Rodrigue, Brian Leung

Year:

2014

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12192

Source:

Diversity and Distributions. 14 p.

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Download (PDF 414 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/46151.pdf

Abstract

Emerging infectious diseases present a major perturbation with apparent direct effects such as reduced population density, extirpation and/or extinction. Comparatively less is known about the potential indirect effects of disease that likely alter community structure and larger ecosystem function. Since 2006, white-nose syndrome (WNS) has resulted in the loss of over 6 million hibernating bats in eastern North America. Considerable evidence exists concerning niche partitioning in sympatric bat species in this region, and the unprecedented, rapid decline in multiple species following WNS may provide an opportunity to observe a dramatic restructuring of the bat community.

Keywords

Community structure, disease, Myotis, niche partitioning, spatial niche partitioning, temporal niche partitioning, white-nose syndrome

Citation

Jachowski, David S.; Dobony, Chris A.; Coleman, Laci S.; Ford, William M.; Britzke, Eric R.; Rodrigue, Jane L.; Leung, Brian. 2014. Disease and community structure: white-nose syndrome alters spatial and temporal niche partitioning in sympatric bat species. Diversity and Distributions. 14 p.