Climate Change and Vampire Bats: How Rising Temperatures May Increase Rabies Risk
Climate change may be the culprit behind the expansion of the world’s most dangerous terrestrial mammal - the vampire bat. A new study by researchers from the University of Georgia has found that climate change could be a factor in the expansion of vampire bat populations into new areas. The study highlights the need for more research in this area, as the effects of climate change on wildlife populations can be far-reaching. The researchers used historical records and climate data to determine that warmer temperatures have allowed vampire bat populations to expand further into areas where they were previously unable to survive. This could have serious consequences for human health, as vampire bats can spread rabies to humans and other animals. As climate change continues, the researchers suggest that more areas could become suitable for vampire bat populations, leading to an increased risk of rabies transmission.
source: Phys.org