In the realm of myth and folklore, bats are often perceived as omens of misfortune and creatures that tangle in your hair. Specifically, vampire bats bear the brunt of this negative reputation, depicted as eerie, bloodsucking beings preying on unsuspecting humans. However, the reality unveils a different narrative where these creatures showcase remarkable social behaviors and surprising abilities. For instance, did you know that vampire bats possess the skill to walk on all fours and even engage in running?
Every year, a group of 70 to 80 bat experts convene in the ancient Mayan ruins of the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve in Belize for “Bat-a-thon,” a two-week expedition to study the diverse bat species inhabiting the area, some of which have thrived for over 3,000 years. In the documentary “Empire of Bats,” Anthony Morgan immerses himself in the Bat-a-thon activities to explore the insights that can be gleaned from these winged mammals.
Diving into the realm of bat diversity, the UK’s Bat Conservation Trust estimates a staggering 1,500 bat species worldwide, making up a significant portion of Earth’s mammalian diversity. Among these, only three types are classified as vampire bats, primarily found in the tropical regions of Central and South America. These “sanguivorous” creatures subsist on the blood of various animals, with species like the white-winged and hairy-legged vampire bats predominantly foraging in forested areas for birds and reptiles. In contrast, the common vampire bat, known as Desmodus rotundus, frequents agricultural landscapes, often feasting on farm animals like pigs, chickens, and cows, posing a nuisance to local farmers due to the potential spread of rabies and infections.
Despite their petite size of seven to nine centimeters, common vampire bats exhibit remarkable physical abilities, such as the capacity to jump over a meter from the ground to take flight. Furthermore, they showcase an intriguing method of movement, utilizing their elongated thumbs to walk and scuttle swiftly on the ground.
In the documentary “Empire of Bats,” Anthony Morgan engages in a conversation with Kenneth Welch from the University of Toronto, who delves into the study of animal locomotion. Welch showcases a captivating video of a vampire bat engaging in a unique sideways walk on a treadmill, hypothesizing that this motion aids the bat in circling around its prey.
Vampire bats, often likened to nimble ninjas in their hunting tactics, employ a combination of echolocation for navigation and heat sensors to pinpoint vulnerable areas on their prey. With razor-sharp incisors, they make precise incisions on the host’s skin to access blood, aided by potent anticoagulants in their saliva that prevent clotting. Surprisingly, these anticoagulants have attracted scientific interest for potential applications in treating conditions like strokes in humans.
Beneath their predatory facade, vampire bats exhibit altruistic behaviors within their social groups. Young vampire bats, unlike their counterparts, stay with their mothers for an extended period, learning to feed independently over several months. In times of unsuccessful hunting, the bat community displays solidarity by sharing meals with less fortunate individuals to prevent hunger.
To delve deeper into the world of vampire bats and their intriguing behaviors, viewers can tune into “Empire of Bats” on CBC Gem and The Nature of Things YouTube channel.
