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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, promoting better wildlife health and encouraging natural behaviors among bats. Traditional artificial habitats, however, can lead to high population densities by failing to encourage bats to leave when roost sites become unviable.

"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.

The material is made from pine wood flour and polylactic acid polymer, which is biodegradable. "The next step is to test the composite's long-term properties, such as how well it degrades," said ORNL's Xianhui "Andy" Zhao, who specializes in biobased materials.

The material has potential for other artificial wildlife habitats, like bird boxes and bee hotels, and could also be adapted to produce lighter parts for electric vehicles.