Greater Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum

The Greater Horseshoe Bat is a medium-sized insectivorous bat widely distributed across Europe, North Africa, and Asia, including parts of India, China, and Japan. The species is named after its distinctive horseshoe-shaped noseleaf, which plays a key role in echolocation.

This bat has a wingspan of 34–40 cm and a body length of 5.7–7.2 cm. Its fur is soft and ranges from grayish-brown to reddish-brown on the back, with paler underparts. The wings are long and narrow, adapted for slow but highly maneuverable flight, allowing it to catch insects mid-air or pick them off surfaces.

The Greater Horseshoe Bat is nocturnal, roosting during the day in caves, old buildings, or tree hollows. This species is highly sensitive to habitat changes and relies on diverse landscapes with ample roosting sites and insect-rich foraging areas. It is known for its seasonal behavior, often hibernating in caves during the winter months in temperate regions.

IUCN Status: Least Concern

IWLPA: Not Defined

CITES: Not Defined