PERIMYOTIS SUBFLAVUS AND WHITE-NOSE SYNDROME IN WESTERN OKLAHOMA GYPSUM CAVES

Abstract

Due to a 90% decline in Perimyotis subflavus after White-nose Syndrome (WNS) detection in the United States, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposed listing it as an endangered species in 2022. This study provides historical population estimates for P. subflavus in five major western Oklahoma bat hibernacula prior to the arrival of WNS and provides background data to track the future impact of WNS. Population size estimates of P. subflavus between 1988-2024 in these caves declined from 701 bats in 2005 to 34 bats in 2024. From 2018-2023, 5 of 84 (6%) P. subflavus tested in these five hibernacula were positive for Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the causative agent of WNS. Currently in Oklahoma P. subflavus has tested positive for Pd in 10 counties, has been confirmed for WNS in three counties, and is suspect for WNS in two counties.