Infection severity and host body condition
The degree of tissue invasion and weight loss varied across the three sites (Fig. 3). Corresponding to the temperature-dependent pathogen growth rate, the severity of infection at Extirpated (Warm + Wet) was significantly higher than that observed at the similarly wet site, Persisting 2 (Cold + Wet) (Fig. 3A; Supplemental Table 3). However, contrary to the temperature-dependent pathogen growth rate observed, bats at Persisting 1 (Cold + Dry) displayed significantly higher infection severity than that observed at Persisting 2 (Cold + Wet) and did not significantly differ from that observed in Extirpated (Warm + Wet). This pattern of tissue invasion was mirrored by the degree of weight loss observed across the sites, as bats in Persisting 2 (Cold + Wet) had lower weight loss compared to either of the other sites (fig. 3B; Supplemental Table 4). The particularly dry conditions within Persisting 1 (Cold + Dry) may have resulted in the deviation from the temperature-pathogen growth relationship, exacerbating infection severity and weight loss despite a relatively low level of pathogen growth.