Vampire bat

Desmodus rotundus A Catenazzi

Vampire bat skeleton face

Desmodus rotundus feeding

Vampire Bat 12

Vampire bat refers to bat species that primarily feed on blood (hematophagy). These bats are found in the Americas, from Mexico to Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. The three species that are exclusively sanguivorous are the Common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus), the Hairy-legged vampire bat (Diphylla ecaudata), and the White-winged vampire bat (Diaemus youngi). Vampire bats are nocturnal creatures that have evolved specialized adaptations for their unique diet, including heat sensors to locate blood vessels, sharp teeth to make a cut, and a specialized tongue to lap up blood.

Description and Behavior

Vampire bats have a wingspan of approximately 7 inches (18 cm) and weigh around 40 grams. They have small and sharp teeth that are capable of making a quick and precise incision on the skin of their prey. Unlike other bats, vampire bats can walk, run, and jump with considerable agility. They have thermoreception abilities that allow them to detect warm-blooded animals, and their saliva contains an anticoagulant substance, draculin, which prevents the blood from clotting while they feed.

Diet

The diet of vampire bats is entirely liquid. They feed on the blood of mammals and, in the case of the hairy-legged vampire bat, sometimes birds. A single feeding session usually lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, during which the bat can consume up to half its body weight in blood. If a vampire bat does not feed for two nights in a row, it can die of starvation.

Reproduction and Lifecycle

Vampire bats have a gestation period of about seven months and typically give birth to a single offspring at a time. The young are cared for in a communal setting, where females may even share blood meals with unrelated offspring. This social behavior is rare among bats and helps to ensure the survival of the colony's young.

Habitat

Vampire bats dwell in colonies in almost completely dark places, such as caves, old wells, hollow trees, and buildings. They prefer warm and humid climates and are most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Impact on Livestock and Humans

While vampire bats primarily feed on wild animals, they can also target livestock, leading to economic losses for farmers. In addition to the direct loss of blood, the bites can cause infections and transmit diseases such as rabies. Efforts to control vampire bat populations include habitat modification, exclusion, and the use of anticoagulant poisons.

Conservation

Vampire bats are subject to persecution due to their feeding habits and potential to spread disease. However, they play an important role in their ecosystems and are protected in some areas. Conservation efforts focus on research, public education, and the development of more humane and effective control methods.