It derives its scientific name from a Venezuelan zoologist, Dr. Alberto Fernandez Badillo, whose research focused on vampire bats, in particular.

[8] This species has one more saccral vertebra than the closely related Orinoco sword-nosed bat.

However, juvenile bats have been observed in February, which suggests that females give birth in December.

In February, March, and August, lesser dog-like bats have been observed roosting with this species.

Beetles and moths comprise a large portion of their diets, based on analysis of stomach contents.

[9] In addition to the threats of habitat destruction from cattle ranching, this species is also at risk from vampire bat control.

They also suggest the cessation of ranching expansion into their known distribution [9] They are listed as endangered because it is thought that there are fewer than 250 mature individuals remaining.