Battle of Wits: Bats versus Penguins in the Wild
In an unexpected turn of events, vampire bats have been spotted in the Atacama Desert of southern Peru, a region typically not associated with these nocturnal creatures. These bats, known for their preference for arid and humid locations, have found a new prey source in the form of Humboldt penguin chicks.
Vampire bats in the Atacama Desert usually prey on sea lions but occasionally turn their attention to the vulnerable penguin chicks. The bats' cautious feeding behaviour, as stated by Gerald Carter, an associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Princeton University, may contribute to the increased risk for the penguin chicks.
Humboldt penguins, classified as vulnerable to the risk of extinction due to decreasing numbers, have multiple ways to defend themselves against vampire bats. Adult penguins are known to vocalize, kick dirt, and even weaponize their poop as a defense tactic. However, the defense tactic of poop can be hit or miss, and the oblivious nature of penguin chicks leaves them more vulnerable to attacks.
When attacked, penguin chicks waddle away to rinse off in cold waters. However, these attacks can lead to blood loss or the spread of diseases like rabies. The current main predator of Humboldt penguins in the Atacama Desert region is the South American sea lion.
Vampire bats and Humboldt penguins typically live in different areas of the world but can be found living together on the dry west coast of South America. It is believed that vampire bats may have historically fed on aggregations of breeding sea birds and other animals along the coasts of Latin America before the introduction of livestock. Some experts even speculate that penguins might have been the bats' primary food source at one time.
Despite their unusual dietary habits, vampire bat populations in the Atacama Desert, as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature, are stable. The bats, due to their preference for warm climates, can tolerate the dry conditions of the Atacama Desert. They have to feed on a larger animal almost every night of their life, making the larger penguin chicks an attractive prey source.
In the wild, Humboldt penguins are fierce protectors and will fight bats if necessary. This resilience, combined with conservation efforts, provides hope for the future of these fascinating creatures.
