Urban Bats: Aspects of Ecology and Health

Abstract:
Of the 1,120 chiropteran species identified worldwide, 172 occur in Brazil; among them 47 are recorded in urban environments, most compounded by insectivorous bats. These animals have used the resources furnished direct or indirectly by humans, as food and shelter. Their incoming in buildings, the emitted vocalization and the odor, besides the fear are the main factors that generate nuisance by the population that, for historical issues and lack of information, pursue these animals. Several pathogens are associated with bats, as viruses, bacteria, protozoan, fungi, among others. The most important diseases are rabies and histoplasmosis, which still need further researches in Brazil.