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 Period3/2012 – 12/2015