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8mo ago

Study Links Bat Population Decline to Higher Infant Mortality in the US

Research reveals increased insecticide use due to bat die-offs correlates with a rise in infant deaths.

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Naturalist holds Mexican free-tailed bat in Texas (main) and a graph showing pesticide use compared with infant mortality rate (inset). Since the arrival of an invasive fungal species that wipes out bat populations, farmers have had to use more pesticides, which have a detrimental impact on the health of infants.
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Overview

  • Bat populations in the US have been decimated by white-nose syndrome since 2006.
  • The decline in bats has led to higher insecticide use by farmers, affecting human health.
  • Counties with significant bat die-offs saw an 8% increase in infant mortality rates.
  • The study emphasizes the broader impact of biodiversity loss on human health.
  • Experts call for greater protection and restoration of biodiversity to prevent such outcomes.