In Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers are using a biobased material to 3D-print custom roosting structures for endangered bats.
The custom wildlife roosting structure was 3D printed at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at ORNL using pine wood flour and polylactic acid. The material’s biodegradability promotes a healthy habitat, since habitats that persist in the environment fail to encourage bats to leave when roost sites become unviable.
This can have disastrous impacts on the population. “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 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.