Bat

Antrozoidae

Enemies

Small bats are sometimes preyed upon by owls and falcons. Generally there are few animals able to hunt a bat. In Asia there is a bird, the bat hawk, which specializes in hunting bats. The domestic cat is a regular predator in urban areas; they may catch bats as they enter or leave a roost, or on the ground. Bats will land on the ground for feeding, in bad weather, or due to accidents while learning to fly.

Related Topics:
Owl - Falcon - Bird - Bat hawk - Cat

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The worst enemies are parasites. The membranes with all their blood vessels are ideal food sources for fleas, ticks and mites. Some groups of insects suck exclusively bat blood, e.g. the bat fly. In their caves the bats are hanging close together, so it is easy for the parasites to infect new hosts.

Related Topics:
Parasite - Fleas - Ticks - Mites - Bat fly

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The most destructive enemy of bats is probably humans, who fear the harmless animal either because of superstition or fear of rabies. Destruction of bat habitat and elimination of their food source (primarily insects) negatively affects the species.

Related Topics:
Superstition - Rabies - Insects

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