He published five books and over 100 articles: primarily on the biology of bats and rodents, but also on marine mammals.
[1][2] Born in Teloloapan, Guerrero, Villa Ramírez studied in Guerrero and then Mexico City, returning to his hometown to build a school and become a rural school teacher.
He returned to UNAM as a researcher, professor, and doctoral student, completing his dissertation on the bats of Mexico in 1966.
[1][3] His resulting book, Los murcielagos de Mexico, became a standard reference for Mexican bat researchers.
[3] His memberships and service in scientific societies included an honorary life member of the American Society of Mammalogists, a president and honorary life member of the Mexican Association of Mammalogy, and first president of the Mexican Society for Marine Mammal Research.