Publications by authors named "M B Meierhofer"
Article Synopsis
- Subterranean ecosystems, which include underground areas and water systems, are at risk from human activities, and there aren't enough protected areas to keep them safe.
- It's tough to protect these ecosystems because it's hard to figure out exactly where they are and what lives in them, and there aren't enough scientists to study them.
- To help protect these underground habitats, it's important for different groups to work together and come up with plans, and this guide talks about improving protected areas in Europe for better coverage of subterranean ecosystems.
Article Synopsis
- A study in Texas examined mercury (Hg) accumulation in the fur of 411 bats from ten species, highlighting the state's high pollution levels and potential health risks to wildlife.
- Tri-colored bats had the highest mean mercury concentrations (6.04 μg/g), while hoary bats had the lowest (0.809 μg/g).
- The study found that proximity to coal-fired power plants correlated with higher mercury levels in bats, indicating a significant risk to their health, particularly in east Texas and coastal areas, which may inform future conservation strategies.
The fungal infection causing white-nose disease in hibernating bats in North America has resulted in dramatic population declines of affected species, since the introduction of the causative agent Pseudogymnoascus destructans. The fungus is native to the Palearctic, where it also infects several bat species, yet rarely causes severe pathology or the death of the host. Pseudogymnoascus destructans infects bats during hibernation by invading and digesting the skin tissue, resulting in the disruption of torpor patterns and consequent emaciation.
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- Bats live in caves and help the underground food chain, but they need protection because their homes are threatened.
- We looked at many studies to find out what works best to help bats and found some strategies that could be effective.
- Things like blocking cave entrances and cleaning up harmful stuff can help bats, and if we think about other underground animals too, we might help everyone at once!