Species from Feces: A New Tool to Identify Bats in Culverts and on Bridges

Project summary:

White-nose syndrome has decimated the populations of three bat species in Minnesota. The northern long-eared bat is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the final tricolored bat listing decision will be made soon, and the little brown bat is being considered for listing. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has documented that bat species in Minnesota roost in bridges. Bridge maintenance and construction projects can result in ''take,'' which is prohibited under the ESA. Because bats roosting in cracks and crevices are not visible when using or inspecting a bridge or culvert, MnDOT must assume that if bats are known to use a bridge, a listed species could be present. Assuming that listed bat species are present complicates regulatory compliance, lengthens environmental review processes, and may add costly mitigation obligations to maintenance and construction projects (e.g., seasonal restrictions on work, conservation projects to offset impacts). DNA from bat guano sampled at bridges can be identified to species.