Distribuição geográfica de Desmodus rotundus (E. Geoffroy, 1810) no Estado do Maranhão: uma revisão de literatura

Abstract

Bats perform essential ecological roles and represent one of the most diverse groups of mammals on the planet. Among chiropterans, Desmodus rotundus stands out for being the only hematophagous species that feeds exclusively on the blood of mammals. It has a wide distribution throughout Latin America and significant epidemiological relevance, as it is the main wild reservoir and transmitter of the rabies virus to domestic herbivores. In Maranhão, understanding the distribution of D. rotundus is crucial, especially considering current environmental changes, agricultural expansion, and the recurrence of rabies outbreaks, which generate significant economic and sanitary impacts. Given this context, this study aimed to analyze the geographic distribution of the species in the state, compiling capture records available in the literature and in scientific databases. The theoretical framework included biological and ecological aspects of hematophagous bats, behavioral characteristics of D. rotundus, its relationship with the rabies virus, and distribution modeling approaches used to understand spatial and environmental patterns associated with the species. The methodology was based on data collection from articles, book chapters, scientific reports, and platforms such as Google Scholar, SciELO, GBIF, SiBBr, and the collection of the Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Biological and Health Sciences (LAMBios). The geographic coordinates of the records were obtained manually and later imported into the R software, where maps and graphs were produced to represent the spatial and temporal distribution of the species in Maranhão. A total of 123 individuals were identified across 19 municipalities, with the highest capture records concentrated in the northern and eastern regions of the state, especially in São Luís, Chapadinha, and Codó. Temporal analysis revealed marked peaks in captures during the years 2014 and 2016, while other years showed few or no records, suggesting probable oscillations in field effort, environmental conditions, or population dynamics. The observed patterns suggest that the presence of D. rotundus is associated with the availability of natural and artificial roosts, the presence of domestic livestock, deforested areas, and peri-urban environments that facilitate the species’

movement and permanence. It was also found that regions with more captures coincide with locations historically affected by rabies in herbivores, reinforcing the epidemiological relevance of the study. Therefore, this work contributes to the understanding of the geographic distribution of D. rotundus in Maranhão, providing support for epidemiological surveillance actions, population management, and rabies prevention. The findings also emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring and research that consider environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic factors to deepen knowledge about the species.