National
Speleological Society
White Nose Syndrome Rapid Response Fund
The purpose of the NSS White Nose Syndrome Rapid Response Fund is to initiate or continue field and laboratory research into White Nose Syndrome in bats, especially where other funding is not readily available, and would result in critically identified seasonal research not occurring.
White Nose Syndrome (WNS) is the name given to a condition of unknown cause that has led to the death of hundreds of thousands of bats in the northeastern United States. There are nearly 30 sites in at least four states identified since the winter of 2006-2007. Numerically, it has affected the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) most severely, but has had a more significant impact on the endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis).
The WNS Rapid Response Fund gives you an opportunity to provide timely, direct, and much-needed support for WNS research. In fact, this may be the only way to provide immediate significant and targeted resources to the biggest threat ever to the bats in the United States. The NSS, the National Speleological Foundation, the Robertson Assocation (TRA) and individuals have already provided start-up funds.
Timing is critical. Researchers from university and other laboratories, as well as state and federal fish and wildlife managers, are struggling to find timely funding for WNS. Traditional funding streams, such as federal grants, have previously established goals and priorities, and cannot respond quickly enough to have an impact – especially for this fall’s swarming and this winter’s hibernation research. There are simply no other significant sources of targeted funding for WNS research.
Your help is needed. Make your tax-deductible donation online at the NSS Donation Page, or write a check to the NSS WNS Rapid Response Fund and mail it to: NSS, 2813 Cave Ave., Huntsville, AL 35810-4431. The NSS is a 501(c)3, non-profit, tax-exempt organization.
Thank you!
Researchers interested in applying for funding can find the application guidelines here.
WNS Liaison web page - updates on WNS research, media coverage, and key WNS links (link here).