The Status of Nepal's Mammals: The National Red List Series - IUCN

199
163) Rhinolophus lepidus (Blyth, 1844)
Common Names
Blyth’s Horseshoe Bat (English); Blythko Ghodnale
Chamero (Nepali)
Synonyms
Rhinolophus monticola (Andersen, 1905)
Species Description
Pelage typically grey-brown dorsally and slightly
paler ventrally. General morphology similar to that
of R. pusillus but usually exceeds R. pusilllus in size.
The anterior surface of the sella is less conspicuously
emarginated. The lancet is well developed, the tip is
variable in shape, rounded or pointed. Distinguished
from R. pusillus by longer forearm and tibia
measurements.
Species Ecology
This species can be found in both dry and moist
forests and fringe areas. Roosting sites include caves,
unused tunnels and old and dilapidated buildings.
Main prey species include moths and butterflies,
beetles, flies, wasps, bees and ants.
Little is known about the reproductive behaviour of
this species.
Conservation Status
Global: Least Concern
National: Near Threatened
Rationale for assessment: Blyth’s Horseshoe Bat
(Rhinolophus lepidus) has been nationally assessed
as Near Threatened. The species has been recorded
from only two locations although extent of
occurrence may be reasonably large due to the
distance of the two sites. Ongoing human
disturbance to roosting sites may cause this species’
geographic range to decline sufficient to qualify this
species as threatened under criterion B1. The species
absence from protected areas increases the risk to
this species, however further information is required
to confirm that either it’s range or it’s population is
in decline.
Legal Status
National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029
(1973).
National Population Size
There is no information available on the population
size of this species in Nepal.
National Distribution
The species has been recorded from only two
locations; districts of Ilam and Sindhupalchowk.
Distribution outside Nepal
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand,
Viet Nam.
Main Threats
• Human disturbance of roosting sites due to fires
and use of these areas for shelter.
• Direct persecution.
• Habitat degradation and loss.
References
Bates and Harrison 1997, Walker and Molur 2002, Bumrungsri et al. 2008.