These bats start grooming before sharing a meal

In a vampire bat, coming back without a meal can become a serious problem. Another can then provide her with food by regurgitating some of what she has consumed. This division also exists between individuals who are not close relatives: he does not reduce himself to feeding his own young.

Researchers gathered animals from two Panamanian gites and followed their interactions for fifteen months. Their question was about the birth of new relationships. Observations have shown that mutual grooming usually precedes more expensive food exchanges. The animals did not immediately share with all possible partners.

We can compare this progression to a relationship that is built, without inventing human promises. The result describes behaviors that are tracked over time. Under the disturbing name of vampire is another real scene: animals adjust their ties, then some come to share a meal necessary for survival.