Prevalence and Severity of Alopecia Lesions on Gray Bats, Myotis Grisescens, Peaks During Lactation

The study on gray bats (Myotis grisescens) found that alopecia is most prevalent in lactating females, with 6.3% affected compared to 1% of males, suggesting that reproductive stress and nutritional demands during lactation contribute to fur loss. The research involved 1,179 bats and ruled out subcutaneous mites as a cause, finding no difference in body condition between affected and unaffected bats. Alopecia severity was assessed based on redness, skin condition, and fur loss, with some bacteria and fungi identified, though no direct link to stress hormones or microbiota was established. The study highlights the importance of monitoring alopecia prevalence for conservation, as environmental pressures like urbanization and climate change may exacerbate the condition.