Current Issue

Shen, Y-F., Camson, C., Cárdenas-Canales, E. M., Dixon, M. M., Gmutza, H., Govern, K., Heinen, V., Page, R. A., Razik, I., Toddes, B., Youngblood, B., Shouey, L., Garcia C., G. A., Lopez, J., Gottdenker, N. L., Carter, G. G., & Stockmaier, S. (2026). A guide to the captive care of common vampire bats. Animal Behavior and Cognition, 13(4), 422-467.  https://doi.org/10.26451/abc.13.04.06.2026

Common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) are increasingly kept in captivity for biological research and exhibition, but previously published best practices for the care of vampire bats have not yet been updated with the latest information on their biology and behavior. In this review, we aim to provide updated information for decisions regarding husbandry and care of captive vampire bats based on information gathered from zoos and research labs, as well as field studies of their biology and ecology. We critically review current guidelines, identify important gaps in knowledge, and suggest evidence-based practices that have been successful for maintaining breeding colonies of common vampire bats. Our review highlights how incorporating findings on the biology and behavior of vampire bats can lead to better management and care of captive populations. We also provide a live version of this review under the following hyperlink (https://socialbat.org/vampire-bat-care/), which will be updated as new insights emerge from ongoing work on this species. Versión en español en el suplemento.

Captive care, Desmodus rotundus, Husbandry, Vampire bats