Common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) abundance and frequency of attacks to cattle in landscapes of Yucatan, Mexico

Desmodus rotundus is one of the wild animal species that has benefitted by habitat alteration and its population has increased due to livestock activities. Common vampire bat population management has been implemented across Mexico due to the economic losses to livestock production, inflicted by vampire bat attacks and rabies transmission. Yucatan is one of the seven most impacted states in Mexico by the number of cattle rabies cases per year. However, there is little research on D. rotundus populations such as the frequency and attack patterns to cattle. This study’s objective was to analyze the relationship between D. rotundus abundance and number of bovines attacked in livestock landscapes in Yucatan. The study used data gathered by the State Committee for Protection and Promotion of Livestock in Yucatan through the National Campaign for Common Vampire Bat Population Control. Data collected from January 2014 to December 2017 was analyzed using Pearson correlation. Distribution maps on Desmodus rotundus abundance and number of bovines attacked were also created. Higher abundance of Desmodus rotundus and number of cattle attacks were observed in the central region of Yucatan, particularly in Izamal municipality. Positive correlations were found between (1) abundance of Desmodus rotundus and number of cattle in the region, (2) total number of cattle and number of cattle attacked, and (3) abundance of Desmodus rotundus and number of cattle attacked. We can conclude that there is a relationship between Desmodus rotundus abundance and frequency of cattle attacks in most municipalities across Yucatan. Some outstanding exceptions were observed, which require further detailed investigations.