Ecophysiology of Hibernation
Little Brown Bat
Many temperate mammals hibernate but bats are true superstars of hibernation endurance. Some bat species in central Canada hibernate for up to 8 months and, somehow, survive that period on only a few grams of stored fat. We use a combination of techniques like temperature radiotelemetry and respirometry to address questions about the energetics of this fascinating adaptation for winter survival.
Understanding and Responding to White-Nose Syndrome
Northern Long-eared Myotis
White-nose syndrome (WNS) has caused catastrophic declines in multiple hibernating bat species across North America. Since the disease was discovered in 2007, we have been working hard to understand what WNS does to the physiology and behaviour of hibernating bats, what traits the disease has selected for, and how we can help bat populations recover.
Individual Behaviour and Parasite/Pathogen Transmission
Just as individual people vary in their personalities, individual animals also have unique behavioural characteristics that are consistent over time and in different contexts. These animal personality traits have potential implications for all sorts of aspects of animal ecology and, potentially, conservation. We use standardized tests to quantify personality traits of bats to address questions about how sociability and explorative tendencies might influence the spread of pathogens and parasites.
