RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The little brown bat, Myotis lucifugus, is facing many threats in Chicago, Illinois and the greater Midwest due to the "White Nose Syndrome" disease caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, leading to population depletion ; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of the tremendous impact that the little brown bat has on the ecosystem by the Honorable Michele Smith, Alderman of the 43rd Ward; and
WHEREAS, In peak feeding time, the little brown bat can consume 1,200 harmful insects in an hour. With fewer bats to consume these insects, up to 600 excess tons of crop-destroying insects remain in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Nationwide, bat species contribute to saving an estimated $3.7 billion in crop damage and pest control. Globally, bats contribute to saving an estimated $1 billion for corn producers; and
WHEREAS, White-nose syndrome was first discovered in New York State in 2006. The syndrome reduces the little brown bat's fat reserves during hibernation, resulting in starvation, dehydration, and death; and
WHEREAS, White-nose syndrome accounts for as high as a 90% little brown bat mortality rate, also reflected in the loss of 5.7 million bats since white-nose syndrome arrived in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The devastation of white-nose syndrome cannot be controlled due to the lack of a cure, so conservation efforts must focus on other methods of managing and monitoring the little brown bat environment; and
WHEREAS, Due to the unique longevity of the little brown bat's life, the use of pesticides leads to a dangerous chemical buildup in the bat's fat reserves, resulting in premature death and the passage ofthe chemicals to nursing little brown bats; and
WHEREAS, Rapid industrialization and urbanization have reduced the amount of natural habitat available for wildlife
WHEREAS, the Lincoln Park Zoo has taken several initiatives to monitor bat habitats, gain an understanding of their needs and promote conser...
Click here for full text