Research on Bats, Blood-Feeders and Cannibals
Bill Schutt has studied bats in Trinidad, Brazil, Peru, Malaysia, New Zealand, and New York.
In addition to publishing scientific papers and book chapters on vampire bats, Schutt has worked on on Cheiromeles – the naked bulldog bat, as well as Mystacina - the New Zealand short-tailed bat. In his anatomical studies, Schutt has investigated the passive digital lock (a mechanism that allows bats to hang in an energy efficient manner for extended periods of time), and a collaborative effort with Nancy Simmons of the AMNH, resulted in the description of a new anatomical structure, the uropatagial spur, in certain bats, commonly known as flying foxes. Recently, Schutt explored convergent evolution in bats and spiny-tailed flying squirrels (a family of bizarre African rodents).
Dr. Schutt is currently researching cannibalism in the animal kingdom for his upcoming book: You Are What You Eat: A Natural History of Cannibalism (Harmony). The book will be illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne. Additionally, Schutt's research into the biology of vampire bats and other blood-feeding creatures is ongoing.