The truth about Vampire bats
Vampire bats are one of the most misunderstood and persecuted animals on the planet due to their association with Dracula and many horror movies. The truth is that the Dracula myth was around long before vampire bats were even discovered.
There are 3 species of vampire bats in the World; all are confined to Central and South America. At least 2 species are found in Trinidad one feeds on mammalian blood the Common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) and the other on avian blood the white winged vampire bat (Diaemus youngi). There are unpublished reports that the third vampire species the hairy legged vampire bat (Diphylla ecaudata) has also been caught in Trinidad again this species feeds predominantly on bird blood. All are medium sized bats weighing approximately 30g and roost mainly in caves and hollow trees. They are highly specialised animals with amazing features; they locate their prey using sight and smell before landing and crawling on the ground or along a branch towards their prey. The flattened nose of vampire bats contains small heat seeking sensors that enable the bat to locate blood vessels close to the skin of the animal. Using their razor sharp teeth they make a small circular groove. The vampire bats saliva contains an anti-coagulant and anesthetic substance which means the sleeping animal does not feel anything while the vampire bat laps at the free flowing blood. The enzyme that prevents the blood from clotting has been well studied and is now used to treat stroke victims; saving hundreds of human lives each year.
In Trinidad vampire bat numbers are controlled by the Ministry of Agriculture due to the risk of them transmitting rabies to their hosts. The increase in the number of cattle and the decline in natural prey due to hunting and loss of habitat resulted in the common vampire bat feeding almost exclusively on livestock.
There are 3 species of vampire bats in the World; all are confined to Central and South America. At least 2 species are found in Trinidad one feeds on mammalian blood the Common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) and the other on avian blood the white winged vampire bat (Diaemus youngi). There are unpublished reports that the third vampire species the hairy legged vampire bat (Diphylla ecaudata) has also been caught in Trinidad again this species feeds predominantly on bird blood. All are medium sized bats weighing approximately 30g and roost mainly in caves and hollow trees. They are highly specialised animals with amazing features; they locate their prey using sight and smell before landing and crawling on the ground or along a branch towards their prey. The flattened nose of vampire bats contains small heat seeking sensors that enable the bat to locate blood vessels close to the skin of the animal. Using their razor sharp teeth they make a small circular groove. The vampire bats saliva contains an anti-coagulant and anesthetic substance which means the sleeping animal does not feel anything while the vampire bat laps at the free flowing blood. The enzyme that prevents the blood from clotting has been well studied and is now used to treat stroke victims; saving hundreds of human lives each year.
In Trinidad vampire bat numbers are controlled by the Ministry of Agriculture due to the risk of them transmitting rabies to their hosts. The increase in the number of cattle and the decline in natural prey due to hunting and loss of habitat resulted in the common vampire bat feeding almost exclusively on livestock.
