The little brown BAT is currently under review by the US fish and wildlife service for potential designation as a threatened or endangered species under the endangered species act (act)

IT has a widespread range in north america from alaska to canada boreal forests south through most of the contiguous united states and into central mexico. This species was once very abundant but has experienced severe declines due to white-nose syndrome (WNS), a novel fungal disease. This has prompted the FWS to consider little brown BAT for listing across their range under the endangered species act. We recently investigated the population structure of little brown BAT across alaska, which indicated that there were at least two genetically distinct sub-populations and up to five geographicallydistinct genetic clusters with limited geneflow. Determining how these populations are connected to nearby regions across northern canada and the pacific northwest is critical for predicting and managing the spread of WNS throughout the currently uninfected area. We will use genotyping by sequencing to characterize the region-wide population structure of little brown BAT across northern canada and the pacific northwest and analyze the genetic connectivity of maternity colonies across the northwestern portion of the continent. The information gleaned from this study would provide clarity on the status of the species in alaska and ultimately help managers make more informed decisions regarding the need for federal protections for little brown BAT in alaska and across its range. Additionally, this information could lead to more focused little brown BAT conservation efforts and white-nose syndrome mitigation measures and prevent the need for listing the species or distinct population segments of the species under the act altogether.