Enhancing Climbing Recreation and Conservation in Vertical Environments Shared by Humans and Bats Through Input from Rock Climbers

White-nose syndrome (WNS), a disease caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), has killed millions of bats since its discovery in the United States (U.S.) in 2006. This disease was found in a cave in New York and has since been detected in 40 states as it’s believed spores can be transported by both natural and anthropogenic means. For these reasons, the National Park Service (NPS) is working to mitigate the spread of WNS and limit disturbance of bats by implementing educational programs and decontamination protocols. Many of these measures have been centered around caves and visitors that explore them. However, with growing awareness involving bats using rock crevices in cliffs for roosting, more thought has recently been put towards bats that utilize vertical environments and the rock climbers that share these resources. Although public support is key for management success, few studies have investigated rock climbers’ attitudes and perceptions of bats. Therefore, before protocols are put in place, I examined rock climbers’ attitudes towards bats, understanding of WNS, and support for potential bat management.

To fully understand the issues involving the NPS, climbers, and WNS, I conducted 14 qualitative interviews and two focus groups with key informants who were from the NPS or were members of climbing organizations. Common themes revealed from these discussions included a lack of information regarding vertical habitats and how bats and climbers were using these environments, a lack of funding for implementation and future research, and fear of possible push-back from climbers.

With this information, I created an online quantitative survey to better understand rock climbers’ knowledge and attitudes towards bats, WNS, and possible strategies to mitigate the spread of WNS. I surveyed 310 rock climbers and found they held positive attitudes towards bats, were knowledgeable about bat ecology and WNS, and were likely to support bat conservation.

Using these data, I provide management implications for future bat conservation and research. A combined understanding of the biological and social sciences surrounding this issue will be imperative to ensure successful management and continued recreational enjoyment in environments shared by both bats and humans.