Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers are using a new bioderived material to 3D print custom roosting structures for endangered bats.
The eco-friendly composite offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials for artificial habitats, which can lead to high population densities by failing to encourage bats to leave when roost sites become unviable, promoting better wildlife health and natural behavior.
“Attracting a large number of an endangered species to one area carries significant risks, from disease to catastrophic weather events, which could wipe out the entire population,” said ORNL wildlife ecologist Evin Carter. “We’re designing new structures to limit the number of bats per roost,” and to more closely mimic natural habitats.
This Oak Ridge National Laboratory news article "Up to bat: Protecting endangered bats with biomaterials" was originally found on https://www.ornl.gov/news
