FWS invites proposals for White-Nose Syndrome small grants program

Seven North American and eleven European species of bats have been confirmed with White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) and additional five North American and two European species have been detected carrying the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). Surveys in affected areas continue to reveal population declines associated with the disease, and evidence to date suggests that several affected bat species are not likely to stabilize or recover in the immediate future.

To assist in the advancement of conservation efforts to manage WNS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has targeted up to $250,000 to address Priority Research and Communications needs.

Funds are available to support needs outlined in the White-Nose Syndrome National Plan in three priority topic areas:

TOPIC 1: Conduct research on efficacy and safety of WNS treatments on bats and/or Pd management to reduce the impacts of the disease and/or the spread of the pathogen.  Pilot studies of tools or techniques with strong potential for broad application are encouraged. 

TOPIC 2: Conduct small-scale ecological, physiological, or epidemiological studies with broader implications for WNS management.

TOPIC 3: Develop outreach and education programs or tools for WNS communications.

View the full RFP at White-Nose Syndrome.org