In 2006, a fungal disease called white-nose syndrome began decimating bat populations in New England. Over the next decade, the loss of these bats, essential for controlling insect populations, had significant consequences for agriculture and human health, according to a new study. With fewer bats to consume insects, farmers turned to increased use of insecticides, resulting in a 31 percent increase in pesticide application, according to one report. This increase has been associated with an 8 percent increase in infant mortality in affected areas.
Impact on agriculture and human health
Bats play a crucial role in natural pest control, with some species consuming about 40 percent of their body weight in insects each night. The researchers, led by Agency Eyal Frank of the University of Chicago, noted in their study published in the journal Science that when bat populations plummeted, farmers responded by using more insecticides to make up for the loss. Additional insecticide use increased by about 2 kilograms per square kilometer over five years. Meanwhile, fungicide and herbicide use remained unchanged.
Infant mortality is on the rise
The study found a disturbing link between increased insecticide use and rising infant mortality, particularly deaths related to disease or birth defects. However, other factors such as accidents and homicides did not show a similar increase. Winifred Frick, chief scientist at Bat Conservation International, expressed shock at the findings, calling them a significant revelation.
Tracey Woodruff, an environmental health scientist at the University of California, San Francisco, said the link between pesticides and children's health risks is plausible, pointing to similar findings from previous studies on air pollution, Science.org reported.
Challenges and future prospects
While bat populations are slowly recovering, it could take decades to reach previous levels. Conservation efforts are underway to aid their recovery, including attracting insects to hibernation sites and improving roosting conditions.