Microbial Defense Against WNS in Bat Microbiota | P17AS00114

Opportunity Information: Apply for P17AS00114

The Microbial Defense Against WNS in Bat Microbiota opportunity is a National Park Service (Department of the Interior) cooperative agreement focused on understanding and potentially harnessing naturally occurring microbes on bats to help defend against white-nose syndrome (WNS). WNS is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans and has been responsible for major bat declines in the United States. The core idea behind the project is that western bat populations, including those in and around Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument (often abbreviated as PARA), offer a valuable setting to study the bacteria and fungi living on bats skin and fur (their external microbiota) and to determine whether some of those microbes can inhibit the WNS fungus.

The proposed work builds on field sampling already conducted from 2013 to 2015, when researchers captured and swabbed five target bat species at both cave sites and surface sites within PARA. The sampling design intentionally included species thought to be more susceptible to WNS as well as species thought to be less susceptible, which helps researchers look for patterns that might explain differences in vulnerability. Early next-generation sequencing results from DNA extracted from these swabs suggest that bats caught on the surface versus those associated with cave environments in PARA carry different microbial communities. Another key preliminary finding is that some bat species appear to host relatively high levels of Actinobacteria, a group well known for producing antibiotic compounds, including antifungals. The team also reports having already identified some Actinobacteria isolates at other study sites that significantly inhibit P. destructans, which provides a strong rationale for expanding isolation and testing efforts in PARA.

A major component of the project is to expand the microbiome dataset to a statistically adequate sample size across five or more bat species, using a combination of next-generation sequencing (to profile overall microbial communities) and microbial culturing (to isolate specific organisms). The culturing work is especially aimed at isolating Actinobacteria from bat swabs and then testing those isolates in lab assays for antifungal activity against P. destructans. If successful, this approach could help identify naturally occurring microbes that might serve as candidates for future biocontrol or mitigation strategies, or at least clarify whether certain microbiome signatures are associated with reduced disease risk.

In parallel, the project also addresses the environmental side of WNS risk by characterizing roost microclimate conditions. Because P. destructans growth depends heavily on temperature and humidity, the researchers plan to install temperature and relative humidity data loggers in bat roosting areas within PARA and in four backcountry areas that previously tested positive for close relatives of P. destructans. Collecting these microclimate data helps determine whether local roost conditions are suitable for the fungus to persist and spread, and it also supports broader questions about how climate and climate change could influence disease dynamics in these bat habitats.

Beyond research outputs, the project includes a public communication and outreach element. The team will photo-document the field and lab work to develop interpretive materials for PARA staff, supporting education efforts about WNS, why bats matter, and how the disease can affect park ecosystems. Taken together, the project aims to fill key knowledge gaps about PARA bats, their skin-associated microbiota, the microclimates of their roost sites, and how these factors interact with emerging disease threats.

Administrative details of the opportunity indicate it was offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement (Funding Opportunity Number P17AS00114) under the Natural Resources activity category (CFDA 15.945). Eligibility was limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. The opportunity anticipated a single award with a ceiling of $35,000, created on March 10, 2017, with an original closing date of March 17, 2017. The funding was intended to enable the researchers to broaden and strengthen their dataset and to compare PARA findings with results from four other sites, improving the ability to draw robust conclusions about microbial defenses and environmental suitability for WNS in western bat populations.

• The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Microbial Defense Against WNS in Bat Microbiota" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.945.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 10, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 17, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $35,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.

Apply for P17AS00114

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