Bats often get a bad reputation with phrases like “They bring bad luck” or “They get stuck in your hair!” Vampire bats, in particular, are commonly portrayed as creepy, bloodthirsty creatures always on the lookout for humans to feed on. However, the reality of these creatures is quite different. Vampire bats are fascinating animals that exhibit social behaviors and surprising abilities. For instance, they have the capability to walk on all fours and even run.
Every year, a group of 70 to 80 scientists gathers at the ancient Mayan ruins of the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve in Belize for an event called “Bat-a-thon.” This two-week field study focuses on the 45 bat species residing in the area. The documentary “Empire of Bats” follows Anthony Morgan as he joins the Bat-a-thon to explore the insights that can be gained from these winged mammals.
There are approximately 1,500 bat species worldwide, accounting for about 20% of all mammal species. Among them, only three types are classified as vampire bats. Found in the tropical regions of Central and South America, these creatures are known as “sanguivorous,” feeding on the blood of other animals.
The white-winged and hairy-legged vampire bats typically inhabit forests, preying on birds, reptiles, and other available animals. On the other hand, the common vampire bat is often found in agricultural areas, where it feeds on farm animals like pigs, chickens, and cows. This behavior sometimes causes issues for local farmers as these bats can transmit rabies and inflict wounds that may lead to infections.
Despite their small size of seven to nine centimeters, common vampire bats possess remarkable abilities. They are capable of jumping from the ground to take flight, leaping distances of a meter or more. Additionally, they have a unique sideways walking motion facilitated by their elongated thumbs.
In the documentary “Empire of Bats,” Kenneth Welch from the University of Toronto demonstrates how vampire bats exhibit a distinctive sideways walk, possibly to encircle their prey. This ninja-like behavior allows them to approach their target undetected. While these bats use echolocation for navigation during flight, they rely on heat sensors near their face to locate exposed skin with accessible blood vessels.
Despite their eerie feeding habits, vampire bats display caring behaviors. Unlike other bat species that wean their young in a few weeks, vampire bat offspring stay with their mothers for months until they can feed independently. These bats also exhibit communal roosting habits, with group members sharing meals to ensure no individual goes hungry after an unsuccessful hunting night.
To learn more about these intriguing creatures, watch “Empire of Bats” on CBC Gem and The Nature of Things YouTube channel.