00:00Imagine vampire bats flying over the night sky in search of their next meal.
00:07These little creatures look like the legendary vampires they bear the name of and feed on blood to survive.
00:14But don't worry, they usually prey on cows, pigs, horses and birds.
00:19Even if sometimes they can choose a human, it's really rare.
00:25Instead of drinking blood like vampires, these bats make a small incision with their teeth,
00:30then lick the blood that flows from the wounds.
00:33They are really delicate and discreet.
00:35They can drink the blood of an animal for more than 30 minutes without even waking it up.
00:40In addition, this action does not cause any pain to their prey.
00:46Vampire bats are really very talented when it comes to feeding.
00:50For example, they can detect their prey just by hearing them breathe.
00:55They are even able to recognize a particular animal by the way it breathes.
01:00And they will attack the same victim night after night.
01:03Hey guys, this cow is delicious.
01:06Are we coming back here tomorrow?
01:08Here's something you may not know.
01:11Unlike other species of bats, these flying mammals can walk, run and jump.
01:17This allows them to capture prey.
01:19They also have heat sensors that help them locate the perfect place on an animal's body.
01:25And thanks to their robust hind legs, as well as a special thumb,
01:29they can take off easily once their meal is over.
01:33But what happens if a vampire bat can't find anything to eat?
01:36If it spends two nights without eating, it doesn't survive.
01:40Fortunately, they can be quite generous with each other.
01:44When they eat well, they often gorge on food to share it with other bats in exchange for toilet care.
01:51And did you know that female bats are very attentive to young mothers?
01:56Isn't that adorable?
01:58Here is the Taphosus perforatus.
02:00A rather sinister name, isn't it?
02:03The length of this creature's body is about 8 cm, with subspecies of varied sizes.
02:08This little animal likes to take refuge and live in the tombs of ancient Egypt.
02:14They are really cute with their big eyes and small ears.
02:18They love to nibble on insects and perch in well-fed corners.
02:22And then, they play an important role in the preservation of the ecosystem by regulating insect populations.
02:28Over the last decade, researchers have discovered that bats could be carriers of viruses.
02:34But I will address this question in a moment.
02:37Then, we have the grey-headed bat.
02:41It is one of the largest bats in Australia, with a wingspan of more than one meter.
02:46It is like a bird, but cooler because it is a bat.
02:51The grey-headed bat is a dark brown creature with a grey head and a red-orange neck.
02:59We can say that it has the sense of style.
03:02This animal frequents all kinds of places.
03:05Animated urban areas, quiet forests, dark woods and even mangroves.
03:12At night, flying foxes spread their wings to travel up to 50 km and enjoy delicious fruits.
03:21They are not difficult and eat all kinds of maize with pleasure, but they have a predilection for figs.
03:28These fruit lovers have even been given the nickname of bat frugivore.
03:34They also eat nectar and tree pollen, especially eucalyptus.
03:41The grey-headed flying fox loves to hang on the branches to chat with his bat friends.
03:47They form camps made up of thousands of people.
03:51Imagine the party!
03:53Even if they are very sociable and like to get together.
03:57Their populations are actually declining due to the loss of their habitat.
04:03We must protect these furry creatures because they play a crucial role in forest ecosystems.
04:09They pollinate and scatter the seeds of many species of trees.
04:14If you are looking for this bat, go east of Australia.
04:18For example, to Queensland, the New South Wales and the state of Victoria.
04:22But you must always keep a certain distance.
04:25There are more than 1,200 species of bats on the planet.
04:29Now let's look at the grey-headed bat.
04:32It is also called the Kitty pig year, in honor of the biologist Kitty Tonglongya who discovered it.
04:38These creatures are among the smallest mammals in the world.
04:42They weigh less than a piece of a centimeter and easily hold on to a finger.
04:47They are only found in Thailand and Burma.
04:51Bats are impressive creatures, but it's true.
04:55They can also transmit diseases.
04:59Let's start with rabies.
05:01Bats are actually the most frequently infected animals with rabies in the United States.
05:06If you find a bat in your house, try to catch it to analyze it.
05:11I know, I know.
05:14It won't be easy because they fly in a very chaotic way.
05:19But if you catch one, you can find out if you need to get vaccinated against rabies.
05:24To prevent bats from entering your home, you can take a few simple steps.
05:29Block all the holes through which they could pass.
05:33You can also use transparent plastic sheets or nets to help bats find a new home outside.
05:42And always follow the rules of your country before moving bats.
05:47Because some of them are on the verge of extinction and require special care.
05:53And if you've been bitten, bat bites can be very small.
05:58So even if you're not sure, it's better to talk to a health professional.
06:03Better to prevent than cure, right?
06:06Don't try to make friends with bats or touch them when you're outside.
06:11Leave them alone and enjoy the show from a distance.
06:15And if you come into contact with a bat,
06:17wash the affected area carefully with water and soap and see a doctor as soon as possible.
06:24One thing to keep in mind is that only people trained and vaccinated are able to manipulate bats.
06:30So unless you have a diploma, it is preferable to avoid getting close to these creatures.
06:36If you meet a wounded bat, resist the urge to play the hero and help the animal yourself.
06:42Now let's talk about the diseases that bats can transmit.
06:46One of the best known is the Lysavirus Austral.
06:48It spreads by contact with the saliva of infected bats.
06:52This can occur by biting, scratching or contact with mucous membranes or even skin.
06:58The infection causes a disease similar to rabies which is generally fatal.
07:02But don't panic yet.
07:04There have only been three documented cases in humans, all of them in Queensland.
07:09To avoid this disease, remember these three rules.
07:12Do not manipulate bats unless you are trained, vaccinated and equipped appropriately.
07:17Wash all bites or scratches of bats with water and soap for at least 15 minutes.
07:23Then apply an antiviral antiseptic and see a doctor about the vaccine against rabies within 48 hours following a potential exposure.
07:32Another virus to watch out for is the Andra virus,
07:36which can be transmitted to humans by close contact with the body fluids of infected horses.
07:41The natural host of this virus is the flying fox,
07:44but there is no evidence that it can spread directly from bats to humans.
07:50Finally, let's talk about rainwater tanks.
07:53Although the consumption of rainwater is relatively safe,
07:56it is important to know the risks associated with the use of the tanks dedicated to it,
08:01especially if your immune system is weakened.
08:04Viruses related to bats cannot be contracted by water intake from rainwater tanks.
08:10Those who use rainwater to prepare food
08:14are less likely to contract a gastrointestinal disease because of bats than because of other animals.
08:21Domestic animals must also be protected,
08:24vaccinated against rabies and kept in public spaces
08:27to avoid any contact with wildlife is very useful.
08:31If a pet has been in contact with a bat,
08:34it must receive a dose of the rabies vaccine
08:37and be tested for this disease to determine whether a quarantine is necessary.
08:42But don't call the police if you see Batman,
08:45it's a completely different type of bat.
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