Ecological Knowledge and Environmental Problem-Solving Concepts and Case Studies (1986) / Chapter Skim
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13. Vampire Bat Control in Latin America
13. Vampire Bat Control in Latin America
Pages 151-164
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From page 151... ...
These pieces of information were acquired in a search for control methods, and they yielded methods that are effective and that have minimal or no effect on nontarget species. The approach in this case was to find and use weak links in the life history of the animal in question.
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From page 152... ...
The others, Diphylla ecaudata and Diaemus youngii, have specialized feeding habits, preferring to feed on the blood of birds (Uieda, 1982; Villa, 19661. Vampire bats range from tropical Mexico to northern Argentina and northern Chile, and they cost the Latin American livestock industry $350 million a year: $100 million in direct losses to rabies and $250 million in secondary losses, such as reduction in milk production and secondary infections (Kverno and Mitchell, 1976~.
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From page 153... ...
a utilization and training phase, developed after species-specific control methods were available. THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS The main objective of the program was to increase livestock production in Latin America by reducing vampire bat populations.
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From page 154... ...
The most practical time to capture bats in mist nets set around corralled cattle is during the week after a full moon, when the period of complete darkness is still short. Development of Control Methods Two species-specific control methods for reducing vampire bat populations were developed in this project: the systemic method, in which cattle are treated with a chemical; and the topical method, in which captured vampire bats are treated with the same chemical.
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From page 155... ...
In the laboratory, cattle were treated with a 13.2% pour-on formulation of Famophos recommended for the control of screwworm larvae and sucking flies. All vampire bats that fed on these treated cattle died (Mitchell et al., 1970, 197 11.
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From page 156... ...
Only on the Holstein was there a preferred area for biting: 74.5~o of the bites were on the neck (Flores Crespo et al., 19741. Almost all cattle in the geographical range of vampire bats are Brahma.
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From page 157... ...
First, other anticoagulants were as effective as chlorophacinone in controlling vampire bat populations with the topical method. Second, diphenadione was available for manufacture, because the patent had e.~nir~rl The aloe natent is held bv the U.S.
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From page 158... ...
Vampire bats are captured with mist nets that are set around corralled cattle or at cave entrances. Approximately l.S ml of a diphenadione-petroleum jelly mixture is placed on the dorsal surface of each captured bat, and the bat is released.
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From page 159... ...
It wanted DWRC to take the control methods to Latin American cattlemen and to continue adaptive research to answer questions that could arise. Initially, DWRC biologists conducted training seminars in Latin America, often involving teams of veterinarians organized to vaccinate cattle.
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From page 160... ...
These methods of vampire bat control are very effective even when applied by nonprofessionals. For example, in Nicaragua, 20 high-school graduates were trained to apply the control methods over 4 years.
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From page 161... ...
1977. Efficacy and safety of the systemic method of vampire bat control.
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From page 162... ...
1976. Vampire bat control programs in Latin America.
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From page 163... ...
1976. Vampire Bats: Rabies Transmission and Livestock Production in Latin America.
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From page 164... ...
These studies and literature review revealed important aspects of vampires' natural history that made them susceptible to control. Two of these aspects commonly help in pest control: the bats have a low reproductive rate, which meant that less powerful control would be needed to keep their numbers down, and they do not migrate.
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