About This Project

Aggression by vampire bats towards humans and domestic animals is frequent in mangroves in the Amazon region. Bats are sources of infection for several zoonotic microorganisms, including rabies virus. But why does this aggression occur? Is natural prey scarce, or is human presence altering bat feeding behavior? We will monitor bat behavior in human dwellings and mangroves, to learn more about how we can reduce bat aggression and prevent further disease transmission.

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What is the context of this research?

In recent years cases of human rabies transmitted by hematophagous bats have been reported in the Brazilian Amazon. This project will be developed in a mangrove located in a conservation area where reports of human and companion animal aggression by bats are common. To control bites and aggression from hematophagous bats, health surveillance suggests measures that are ineffective, especially in remote areas where the bat attacks usually occur. Informal reports from the riverside community point to a differentiated behavior of the hematophagous bat and to the killing of possible natural prey that could "hinder" the local crab fishing activities. We intend to describe the behavior of the hematophagous bat in the mangrove and to identify the main species from which it feeds.

What is the significance of this project?

Rabies transmitted by dogs is relatively well controlled in Brazil, but cases transmitted by wild animals, especially bats, is on the rise. Most of the recent human cases have been caused by the AgV3 variant of rabies, associated with hematophagous bats, even when a cat bite caused direct pathogen transmission. Curuçá's riverside population is frequently aggressed by bats, and may be at risk of developing rabies. Knowing the frequency and context of these incidents, as well as how bats have access to humans in these areas, will allow us to propose efficient forms of prevention for this economically and socially marginalized population. Additionally, more knowledge about the species from which these animals feed will guide public policies for conservation of biodiversity in this region.

What are the goals of the project?

We intend to describe the behavior of hematophagous bats in a mangrove environment and the environmental factors related to feeding in humans. Cameras trap will be arranged inside the residences and in the mangrove surrounding these residences.The aim will be to monitor host approach behavior, feeding time and frequency with which people and animals are attacked.

The project also intends to identify the species available for feeding bats in the mangrove, which will be achieved with the images obtained by the cameras arranged in the mangrove. As these locations are difficult to access, the resource will also be essential for boat rentals and guides, since most reports of aggression occur far from the city's headquarters, where access is only by boat.