Guano Research Articles

Total Mikroba pada Tanah yang Dicemari Sludge Limbah Pabrik Kertas dengan Perlakuan Pupuk Guano

There are 83 paper mills in Indonesia recorded by the Indonesian Pulp and Paper Association (APKI) spread throughout the archipelago. These paper companies produce products in the form of tissues, various types of paper, and other fiber-based products. Efforts to meet the needs of this raw material produce innovations in the form of using waste paper by separating the ink from the fibers contained in the paper, this separation process is known as the deinking process. Paper mill solid waste can be in the form of sludge, pith, and biosludge. Sludge is a factory solid waste originating from the settling of WWTP which consists of 90% solid and 10% liquid. Paper mill waste in the form of solid waste from sludge contains heavy metals such as Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Zn. These metals can be overcome by bioremediation using guano fertilizer which is an organic material derived from bat droppings which is rich in phosphate. The purpose of this study was to determine the microbial population in soil contaminated with paper mill sludge waste treated with guano fertilizer. The parameters observed in this study were the total number of bacteria and fungi that survive in soil contaminated with paper mill waste as an indication that the land can still be planted with certain plants. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of Soil Biology, Laboratory of Soil and Land Fertility Agrotechnopark – Faculty of Agriculture – University of Jember. This study used a 3x3 two factorial experimental design with the basic pattern of Randomized Block Design (RAK), namely between the concentration of paper mill effluent and the dose of guano fertilizer, each treatment was repeated three times. The microbial population can be determined by analyzing total bacteria, total fungi. Soil that had been contaminated with paper mill waste was incubated with guano fertilizer, each combination was analyzed at 15 hst and 30 hst for total bacterial and total fungal populations. During the incubation period, irrigation was carried out using a sprayer to maintain moisture in the incubation media. The results showed that the total population of bacteria and fungi in the growing media contaminated with paper mill sludge waste by administering different doses of guano showed results that were not significantly different, but the total population tended to increase. with increasing incubation period. Pollution of sludge waste in the planting medium has a significant effect on increasing the total Fungi Population when compared to the control. The relationship between paper mill effluent pollution and guano fertilization is very low with a coefficient of determination of less than 0.5.

Under a Tropical Climate and in Sandy Soils, Bat Guano Mineralises Very Quickly, Behaving More like a Mineral Fertiliser than a Conventional Farmyard Manure

In sub-Saharan Africa, soil fertility management must rely on local fertiliser resources since most smallholder farmers do not have access to industrial fertilisers. In Vilankulo, Mozambique, farmers have access to bat guano and biochar, albeit in small amounts, which makes it even more necessary to manage them correctly to maximise crop productivity. This study was carried out with irrigated maize (Zea mays L.) in a haplic Lixisol during the 2017/2018 and 2019 growing seasons. Nine treatments were established consisting of the application of 5 (G5) and 10 (G10) t ha−1 of guano at sowing, 5 (B5) and 10 (B10) t ha−1 of biochar at sowing, 5 [G5(-1)] and 10 [G10(-1)] t ha−1 of guano one month before sowing, 1 and 4 (B1G4) and 2 and 8 (B2G8) t ha−1 of biochar and guano, respectively, at sowing and an unfertilised control (C). Treatments G10 and B2G8 led to the highest maize yields (3.77 and 2.68 t ha−1 in 2018 and 5.05 and 5.17 t ha−1 in 2019, respectively), and were statistically higher than those of the control (1.35 and 1.63 kg ha−1, respectively). Apparent nitrogen recovery from bat guano was close to 100%, showing almost complete mineralisation during the maize growing season, due to its low carbon/nitrogen ratio and very favourable environmental conditions for mineralisation. Due to the fast release of nutrients, bringing forward the application of the organic amendment before sowing is not recommended, since it reduces nutrient use efficiency. Biochar did not significantly influence maize grain yield or contribute significantly to plant nutrition. To take advantage of its potential effect on some soil properties, its use in combination with other materials of greater fertilising value is recommended.

Bats as ecosystem engineers in iron ore caves in the Carajás National Forest, Brazilian Amazonia.

Ecosystem engineers are organisms able to modify their environment by changing the distribution of materials and energy, with effects on biotic and abiotic ecosystem components. Several ecosystem engineers are known, but for most of them the mechanisms behind their influence are poorly known. We detail the role of bats as ecosystem engineers in iron ore caves in the Carajás National Forest, Brazilian Amazonia, an area with > 1,500 caves, some holding ~150,000 bats. We analyzed the chemical composition of guano deposits in bat caves, radiocarbon-dated those deposits, and elucidated the chemical mechanisms involved and the role the bat guano has on modifying those caves. The insect-composed guano was rich in organic matter, with high concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus pentoxide and ferric oxide, plus potassium oxide, calcium and sulfur trioxide. Radiocarbon dating indicated guano deposits between 22,000 and 1,800 years old. The guano pH was mainly acid (from 2.1 to 5.6). Percolating waters in those bat caves were also acid (pH reaching 1.5), with the presence of phosphate, iron, calcium, nitrate and sulfate. Acid solutions due to guano decomposition and possible microbial activity produced various forms of corrosion on the caves´ floor and walls, resulting in their enlargement. Bat caves or caves with evidence of inactive bat colonies had, on average, lengths six times larger, areas five times larger, and volumes five times bigger than the regional average, plus more abundant, diversified and bigger speleothems when compared with other caves. In an example of bioengineering, the long-term presence of bats (> 22,000 years) and the guano deposits they produce, mediated by biological and chemical interactions over millennia, resulted in very unique ecological, evolutionary and geomorphological processes, whose working are just beginning to be better understood by science. However, the current expansion of mineral extraction activities coupled with the loosening of licensing and cave protection rules is a real conservation threat to the bat caves in Carajás. The destruction of those caves would represent an unacceptable loss of both speleological and biological heritage and we urge that, whenever they occur, bat caves and their colonies must be fully protected and left off-limits of mineral extraction.

Bat guano has sculpted caves for thousands of years

Bat guano has sculpted caves for thousands of years

Alleviating Effect of Bat Guano Against Negative Response of <i>Begonia semperflorens</i> to Different Saline Environments

Alleviating Effect of Bat Guano Against Negative Response of <i>Begonia semperflorens</i> to Different Saline Environments

Circulation of SARS-CoV-Related Coronaviruses and Alphacoronaviruses in Bats from Croatia.

Bats are natural hosts of various coronaviruses (CoVs), including human CoVs, via an assumed direct zoonotic spillover or intermediate animal host. The present study aimed to investigate the circulation of CoVs in a bat colony in the Mediterranean region of Croatia. Guano and individual droppings from four bat species were sampled and tested with the E-gene sarbecovirus RT-qPCR, the pan-CoV semi-nested RT-PCR targeting the RdRp gene and NGS. Furthermore, bat blood samples were investigated for the presence of sarbecovirus-specific antibodies with the surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). The initial testing showed E-gene Sarebeco RT-qPCR reactivity in 26% of guano samples while the bat droppings tested negative. The application of RdRp semi-nested RT-PCR and NGS revealed the circulation of bat alpha- and betaCoVs. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the clustering of betaCoV sequence with SARS-CoV-related bat sarbecoviruses and alpha-CoV sequences with representatives of the Minunacovirus subgenus. The results of sVNT show that 29% of bat sera originated from all four species that tested positive. Our results are the first evidence of the circulation of SARS-CoV-related coronaviruses in bats from Croatia.

One Health Surveillance Highlights Circulation of Viruses with Zoonotic Potential in Bats, Pigs, and Humans in Viet Nam.

A One Health cross-sectoral surveillance approach was implemented to screen biological samples from bats, pigs, and humans at high-risk interfaces for zoonotic viral spillover for five viral families with zoonotic potential in Viet Nam. Over 1600 animal and human samples from bat guano harvesting sites, natural bat roosts, and pig farming operations were tested for coronaviruses (CoVs), paramyxoviruses, influenza viruses, filoviruses and flaviviruses using consensus PCR assays. Human samples were also tested using immunoassays to detect antibodies against eight virus groups. Significant viral diversity, including CoVs closely related to ancestors of pig pathogens, was detected in bats roosting at the human-animal interfaces, illustrating the high risk for CoV spillover from bats to pigs in Viet Nam, where pig density is very high. Season and reproductive period were significantly associated with the detection of bat CoVs, with site-specific effects. Phylogeographic analysis indicated localized viral transmission among pig farms. Our limited human sampling did not detect any known zoonotic bat viruses in human communities living close to the bat cave and harvesting bat guano, but our serological assays showed possible previous exposure to Marburg virus-like (Filoviridae), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus-like (Bunyaviridae) viruses and flaviviruses. Targeted and coordinated One Health surveillance helped uncover this viral pathogen emergence hotspot.

Exposure to diverse sarbecoviruses indicates frequent zoonotic spillover in human communities interacting with wildlife

BackgroundSarbecoviruses are a subgenus of Coronaviridae that mostly infect bats with known potential to infect humans (SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2). Populations in Southeast Asia, where these viruses are most likely to emerge, have been undersurveyed to date. MethodsWe surveyed communities engaged in extractive industries and bat guano harvesting from rural areas in Myanmar. Participants were screened for exposure to sarbecoviruses, and their interactions with wildlife were evaluated to determine the factors associated with exposure to sarbecoviruses. ResultsOf 693 people screened between July 2017 and February 2020, 12.1% were seropositive for sarbecoviruses. Individuals were significantly more likely to have been exposed to sarbecoviruses if their main livelihood involved working in extractive industries (logging, hunting, or harvesting of forest products; odds ratio [OR] = 2.71, P = 0.019) or had been hunting/slaughtering bats (OR = 6.09, P = 0.020). Exposure to a range of bat and pangolin sarbecoviruses was identified. ConclusionExposure to diverse sarbecoviruses among high-risk human communities provides epidemiologic and immunologic evidence that zoonotic spillover is occurring. These findings inform risk mitigation efforts needed to decrease disease transmission at the bat-human interface, as well as future surveillance efforts warranted to monitor isolated populations for viruses with pandemic potential.

Preliminary Bat Guano Isotope Evidence for Past Vegetation and Climate Change in Southwest Virginia

The Appalachian Mountains, one of the most biologically diverse regions in the temperate world, have been heavily altered by human activity for millennia yet the relative roles of human and other disturbances and climate change in creating modern landscapes are not well understood. Holocene paleoenvironmental records could provide a window into past Appalachian landscapes, but are restricted by a dearth of appropriate sites, such as natural lakes. Recent research suggests that bat guano deposits can serve as valuable archives of past environmental change. Carbon isotope (δ13C) values of guano from insectivorous bats can reflect the relative abundance of forest (C3) versus grassland (C4) vegetation at a regional scale, while guano nitrogen isotope (δ15N) values have been linked to landscape-scale N-cycling and precipitation. To investigate the paleoenvironmental history of an Appalachian site in southwest Virginia, we collected a 170 cm guano core from a limestone cave on Salt Pond Mountain. Bats are no longer active in the cave, but recovered bones indicate the past presence of Myotis species. Preliminary results show clear trends of increasing δ15N values and decreasing δ13C values from deep in the core toward the surface. δ13C and δ15N values are also significantly negatively correlated (R2=0.6, p=5.6e-15). The increase in δ15N values may signal a moistening climate toward the present, a finding consistent with regional Holocene pollen records. Higher δ13C values deep in the core likely indicate a greater prevalence of C4 grassland vegetation on the landscape, which could be linked to drier climate, indigenous burning, or both. Increased variation in δ13C and δ15N values below about 65 cm may indicate more variable climate or increased disturbance during the time represented. Forthcoming radiocarbon dates will anchor these trends in time and inform correction for the Suess effect, while other proxies could help disentangle the drivers of landscape change.

DIVERSIDAD DE MURCIÉLAGOS FRUGÍVOROS Y SEMILLAS CONSUMIDAS EN BORDES DE BOSQUE MESÓFILO DE MONTAÑA, VERACRUZ, MÉXICO

<p><strong>Background: </strong>The change in the coverage of the Cloud Forest (CF) generates edges and fragments of original vegetation that can affect the bat community and the diversity of dispersed seeds. <strong>Objective:</strong> The objective was to describe the diversity of frugivorous bats and the seeds that they consume in different types of edges in the BMM, in Huatusco, Veracruz, Mexico. <strong>Methodology:</strong> Sampling with nets every 28 days for the capture and identification of bats was carried out in seven months, their feces were collected and the contained seeds were germinated to estimate a germination rate and for their taxonomic identification. The bat community and the seeds consumed were evaluated with true diversity indicators; the disperser importance index (IID) was estimated with the percentage of seeds dispersed by bat species. <strong>Results:</strong> 503 individuals of 14 species of frugivorous bats were captured in the four borders of the BMM, but the highest presence (13 spp.) and abundance (60%) of frugivorous-polynectarivorous bats was recorded in the border of the BMM with Grassland, where <em>Anoura geoffroyi</em>, <em>Sturnira ludovici</em> and <em>S. lilium</em> had the highest abundance, but only three species of bats are dispersal agents. A total of 69 bat droppings with 1380 seeds belonging to four botanical families were collected, with Rubiaceae and Solanaceae having the highest frequency of seeds consumed, and Piperaceae and Solanaceae with the greatest diversity of seeds. The highest quantity (65%) and diversity of seeds (10 spp.) were recorded on the BMM-Grassland border, with <em>Borreria laevis</em> seeds being the most consumed (30%). <strong>Implications: </strong>This study allows us to understand the ecological importance of biotic interactions between bats and plants in BMM borders. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The edges of heterogeneous BMM conglomerate greater diversity and abundance of bats.</p>

Isolation of Antimicrobial Active Compounds Producing Bacillus subtilis Strain from Bat Guano of Kashmir Cave, Pakistan

In this study, bacterial isolates form Bat guano of a lime stone cave capable of producing antibiotics are reported. Screening of bacterial strains was carried out from top, middle, and bottom layer of the guano sample. Out of 20 isolated strains, three showed antimicrobial activity against all tested ATTC strain of common bacterial (both gram positive and gram negative) and fungal species. 16s RNA gene sequencing of the strain showing maximum activity revealed the isolated strain as Bacillus subtilis. Optimum production of antimicrobial compounds took place in TSB medium after 72 h of incubation at 30 °C. FTIR of crude extract showed chemical similarity with bacitracin. GCMS analysis of the crude extract revealed a range of antimicrobial and anticancer compounds. It is concluded that Bacillus subtilis strain isolated from Bat Guano is a potential source of novel antimicrobial compounds of broad-spectrum nature and have inhibitory effects against potential pathogens.

Multiclass method to determine emerging pollutants in bats using a non-invasive approach based on guano matrix

Emerging pollutants have been ubiquitously found in environmental compartments, while there is scarce information about these substances and their effects on health status in wild terrestrial mammals. Bat species are very sensitive animals to any changes in the environment and are considered one of the best bioindicators of the quality of the environment to terrestrial wildlife. To acquire a better knowledge of the environmental exposure to these animals, a multiclass method is proposed to determine 20 emerging pollutants (six perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), four parabens (PB), four benzophenones (BP), a plasticizer (BPA), and five surfactants (four linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) and nonylphenol (NP)) in bats using a non-invasive approach based on guano matrix. Sample treatment involved ultrasonic solvent extraction and dispersive solid phase extraction prior to analysis in a single run with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The main variables affecting the extraction and clean-up steps were evaluated using single and multivariate strategies. Under the optimized conditions, satisfactory analytical characteristics in terms of linearity, recoveries (>80 %), precision (RSD < 24 %) and method quantification limits (from 0.01 to 64 ng/g dry weight) were obtained. Furthermore, and as a proof of concept, guano samples from a bat reference population were collected from a colony located in Brenna village, in south Poland. The results confirm the exposure of wild bats to emerging pollutants (LAS, PFAS, and PB compounds were frequently detected in the samples) and the suitability of the bat guano matrix for understanding the environmental exposure in terrestrial mammals.

Testing of Daubenton's Bat (Myotis daubentonii) Droppings for Field Behavioural Endocrinology

Measurement of faecal hormonal metabolites has become a widespread method in field endocrinology due to its non-invasiveness and ability to assess long-term stress; however, this approach has some limitations. We tested the potential of this assay for the Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii), a small vespertilionid species (body mass 6–10 g), and we explored the relationship between cortisol and testosterone levels and dawn swarming, a signalling behaviour that occurs during roost-switching. Swarming was recorded using automated PIT-tag readers on the tree roosts of a maternity colony. In spite of absence of biological validation, our preliminary results demonstrate that field conditions of sample storage and small faeces weight do not interfere with hormonal measurement. We also found a positive correlation between individual levels of stress hormone (cortisol faecal metabolites) and swarming behaviour, but this should be interpreted with caution due to methodological shortcomings that need to be improved in future studies.

Evaluation of Parabens and Bisphenol A Concentration Levels in Wild Bat Guano Samples.

Parabens and bisphenol A are synthetic compounds found in many everyday objects, including bottles, food containers, personal care products, cosmetics and medicines. These substances may penetrate the environment and living organisms, on which they have a negative impact. Till now, numerous studies have described parabens and BPA in humans, but knowledge about terrestrial wild mammals' exposure to these compounds is very limited. Therefore, during this study, the most common concentration levels of BPA and parabens were selected (such as methyl paraben-MeP, ethyl paraben-EtP, propyl paraben-PrP and butyl paraben-BuP) and analyzed in guano samples collected in summer (nursery) colonies of greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis) using liquid chromatography with the tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method. MeP has been found in all guano samples and its median concentration levels amounted to 39.6 ng/g. Other parabens were present in smaller number of samples (from 5% for BuP to 62.5% for EtP) and in lower concentrations. Median concentration levels of these substances achieved 0.95 ng/g, 1.45 ng/g and 15.56 ng/g for EtP, PrP and BuP, respectively. BPA concentration levels did not exceed the method quantification limit (5 ng/g dw) in any sample. The present study has shown that wild bats are exposed to parabens and BPA, and guano samples are a suitable matrix for studies on wild animal exposure to these substances.

Unusual infections and diabetes: dangerous fungi

Unusual infections and diabetes: dangerous fungi

Guano stable isotopic evidence of Anthropocene climate change influence on aridity and vegetation dynamics

A 2.8 m-long core of cave bat guano was obtained from an excavated pit within Bracken Cave (Texas, USA) and analyzed for δ13C and δ15N. Radiocarbon dating of the core indicated that guano deposition occurred between 1974–1989 and 1998–2016 CE. The hiatus between 1989 and 1998 CE was interpreted to be related to documented mining activities during this interval. The average Suess-corrected δ13C values for the entire series (–19.7 ± 1.0 ‰) suggest that insects ingested by the bats had a diet incorporating both C3 and C4 plants. The proportion of each appeared to be dependent on the sensitivity of vegetation to prolonged and frequent droughts. Two documented La Niña events centered around 2008 and 2011 CE occurred contemporaneously with intervals of higher δ13C values. The drought recorded in 2006 may have corresponded with foraging of insects located over C3 vegetation, which resulted in lower δ13C (–22.0 ‰). δ15N values agree well with records of drought and precipitation in Texas, suggesting an aridity control on the local nitrogen cycle. The highest δ15N values occurred during periods of a weaker North American Monsoon (1977 and 1982 CE). Higher δ15N values also occur at 2006, 2009, and 2012 CE, corresponding with years of reduced precipitation locally and throughout the region. This study further demonstrates that guano δ13C and δ15N records can provide paleo-information with respect to climatic influence on the environment in semi-arid regions.

ODP631 Infectious Disease Causing Damage Of The Adrenal Glands, A Life Threating Event

Abstract Introduction Primary Adrenal Insufficiency (PAI) is not a common cause of adrenal insufficiency. The most common cause is Addison disease that is an autoimmune condition. Other causes include hemorrhage, infiltration, infections, necrosis and metastasis. We present a rare case of primary adrenal insufficiency caused by disseminated histoplasmosis. Case presentation 87 yo male from the Midwest with a history of HTN, HLD, CAD s/p CABG was admitted to our hospital for fatigue and 15 lbs weight loss. In the ED, he was found to have persistent hypoglycemia (BG in the 50s mg/dl after several vials of D50%). He was admitted to ICU for continuous D10% infusion. His laboratory showed Na 137mmol/L, K 3.7mmol/L. Further work up for hypoglycemia showed BG of 53 mg/dl with C-peptide of 0.92ng/ml and Insulin &amp;lt;1uIU/ml. Due to the concern of non-insulin dependent hypoglycemia, AM cortisol was done which was low7ug/dl. Immediately, he was started on high dose hydrocortisone. Head CT was negative for pituitary lesions. CT showed lung nodules and bilateral peripherally calcified adrenal lesions 3.6 &amp; 2.6 cm homogenous, well defined borders (HU 20-30). Adrenal hormones work up showed normal metanephrines, Aldosterone &amp;lt;1ng/dl and PRA 1.35ng/ml/h (0.25-5.82). ACTH stim test revealed cortisol level of 9. 0 ug/dl, 9.4 ug/dl, and 9.2 ug/dl at baseline, 30min and 1hr respectively with a baseline ACTH of 539. Lung biopsy showed necrotizing granuloma and fungal spores compatible with histoplasmosis. He was started on amphotericin then transition to itraconazole for 1 year. Additionally, the dose of HC was decrease and Fludrocortisone 0.1mg daily was added. He refused adrenal biopsy at that point and wanted to continue current treatment with a plan to repeat imaging in 3 months and possible adrenal biopsy depending on CT results. On follow-up, patient regained weight and hypoglycemia resolved. Repeated adrenal CT showed shrinkage of the adrenal nodules bilateral. He was continued on PAI replacement. Discussion Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by (H. capsulatum), found in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. Infection usually limited to respiratory disease in immunocompetent host but may cause disseminated infection in immunocompromised patient which can involve any organ system. Less commonly, disseminated type may occur in an immunocompetent host with the adrenal gland being the most common infected organ. Treatment involves systemic antifungal therapy; ketoconazole or itraconazole for mild-moderate forms and amphotericin B for 12-18 months for severe ones. Relapse rate is high; ∼ 7.5% and most patients require long-term glucocorticoid replacement. Because unrecognized disseminated histoplasmosis accompanying PAI usually results in a high mortality rate, considerable suspicion and appropriate investigations are necessary for correct diagnosis of this rare but treatable disease. Presentation: No date and time listed

Comparison of 14C and 210Pb - 137Cs - 241Am dating methods of a recent bat guano deposit (Lot, SW France)

Bat guano deposits are increasingly used as records of past environmental changes, an approach that requires a precise chronology of the guano layers. This paper presents a comparison between the well-established 14 C dating method and methods based on natural 210 Pb excesses, ( 210 Pb) ex , and artificial radionuclides 137 Cs and 241 Am. The studied example is a bat guano deposit from a cave in SW France (the Brantites III cave), which is currently investigated for paleo-environmental reconstructions using stable isotopes. 14 C data show that the upper part of the guano deposit accumulated during the last 150 years with a marked increase in accumulation rates after around 1960 AD. While the incorporation of atmospheric 14 C in guano is a well-understood process, the origin of 210 Pb excesses is more complex. Based on consideration of 137 Cs and ( 210 Pb) ex inventories recorded in undisturbed soils in France, and the measured inventories in the guano deposit, we suggest that most of the 210 Pb excess is produced by 222 Rn decay in the cave air and then adsorbed onto the guano. As Radon concentrations in caves can vary significantly on both short and long-term timescales, one needs to be cautious before applying the often-used CRS (constant rate of supply of 210 Pb excess) model to guano dating. Our ( 210 Pb) ex data are best interpreted by two successive periods of roughly constant, but widely different accumulation rates (0.3 cm/y and 2.6 cm/y before and after 1960, respectively) and ( 210 Pb) ex fluxes. We suggest that these relatively abrupt variations result from a change in cave ventilation leading to a more favourable shelter for bats after 1960. The upper 40 cm of the deposit shows evidence of 210 Pb mobility, adding a further complexity to the interpretation of ( 210 Pb) ex profiles in guano deposits. However, the existence of well-defined 137 Cs and 241 Am peaks allows a precise identification of the year of maximum atmospheric fallouts (∼1963–1964). When the ages provided by artificial radionuclides are combined with the 210 Pb-derived accumulation rates, an age model can be built, which is in good agreement with the 14 C age model. This example shows that the ( 210 Pb) ex method, when associated with 137 Cs ( 241 Am) data, can be used to date recent guano deposit, although its application is not as straightforward as the 14 C method.

Bat Use of Hollows in California's Old-Growth Redwood Forests: From DNA to Ecology.

The loss of roosting resources, either through disturbance or removal, negatively affects bats. Identifying sensitive species and determining roost requirements are critical components in conserving their habitat. Cavity-roosting bats on the North Coast of California are known to use hollows in large redwood trees. In this study, we examined the factors determining the use of basal tree hollows by different bat species at eight redwood forest sites in Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino Counties, California. Bat guano was collected from 179 basal hollow roosts from 2017 to 2018, and guano mass was used as an index of roosting activity. Nine bat species and one species group were identified by analysis of DNA in guano. We made a total of 253 identifications from 83 hollows into the 10 species categories. The most prevalent species were Myotis californicus (California myotis; 28.5% of all identifications), the Myotis evotis-Myotis thysanodes group (17.4%), Corynorhinus townsendii (17.0%), and Myotis volans (15.0%). We evaluated the extent to which habitat variables at the scales of the hollow, vicinity, and site influenced the level of roost use. The correlations between guano mass and habitat variables were examined using generalized additive mixed models. At the hollow scale, guano mass increased with ceiling height above the opening. At the vicinity scale, guano mass increased with less cover of small trees. At the site scale, there was no association between guano mass and distance to foraging areas, elevation, or the number of nearby hollows. These tree hollow roost preferences can inform land managers when planning the management and conservation of redwood forests.

INVASIVE PULMONARY FUSARIOSIS WITH SUPERIMPOSED HISTOPLASMOSIS IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT HOST

INVASIVE PULMONARY FUSARIOSIS WITH SUPERIMPOSED HISTOPLASMOSIS IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT HOST