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Bulldog Bats: Noctilionidae

Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Greater Bulldog Bat (noctilio Leporinus): Species AccountGEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, BULLDOG BATS AND PEOPLE, CONSERVATION STATUS


Bulldog bats are found in Mexico, Central America, and South America as far south as Argentina. The greater bulldog bat also lives on islands in the West Indies.

Bulldog bats are found living near water and in other moist habitats. Greater bulldog bats generally roost, settle or rest, in dark caves, often located on the seashore, and the hollows of trees. Lesser bulldog bats roost in hollow trees, and in buildings.

Both species of bulldog bats eat insects, but greater bulldog bats feed primarily on fish, along with frogs and crustaceans, freshwater and saltwater animals with no backbone, such as shrimp. The greater bulldog bat is one of only a handful of bats known to eat fish. Lesser bulldog bats feed primarily on insects.

Bulldog bats eat insects that many people may consider pests. Water pollutants and habitat destruction are likely to harm the population of bulldog bats.

Bulldog bat species are not listed as threatened.

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceMammals