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

References
Suwal and Verheught 1995, Bates and Harrison 1997, Myers et al. 2000, Baral and Shah 2008,
Giri 2009, Thapa 2009a, Adhikari 2010, Sanjan Thapa (pers. comm.) 2010.
166) Hipposideros armiger
(Hodgson, 1835)
Common Names
Great Himalayan Leaf-nosed Bat (English);
Thulo Golopatre Chamero (Nepali)
Synonyms
Rhinolophus armiger (Hodgson, 1835)
Species Description
Largest leaf-nosed bat, clearly identified by the four
supplementary leaflets on its anterior nose-leaf.
Intermediate leaf has wave-shaped patterns and
there is a fleshy pad behind the four-celled posterior
leaf. Dark-brown wings and membranes stand out
against a grey-brown pelage of soft, long fur.
Species Ecology
The Great Himalayan Leaf-nosed Bat is generally
found in montane and bamboo forests in high
elevations. The species shares its roosting sites with
other species of bats, such as Miniopterus species
and Rhinolophus species, in caves and structures
such as lofts of houses and old temples.
The species breeds once a year and gives birth to
two young. This species has been observed
hibernating in November.
Conservation Status
Global: Least Concern
National: Least Concern
Rationale for assessment: This species is considered
Least Concern in view of its wide distribution,
presumed large population, occurrence within
protected areas, and because it is unlikely to be
declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more
threatened category.
Legal Status
National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029
(1973). This species occurs within protected areas.
National Population Size
It appears to be fairly common throughout its range
including Nepal, although there is no official
population estimate. This is considered the most
common bat species in Nepal.
National Distribution
Distributed across the mid-hills from east to west
and within the protected areas of Annapurna
Conservation Area (within Kaski district), Makalu
Barun and Rara National Parks, Kathmandu Valley
(Sundarijal and Godavari), Baglung, Palpa, Syangja
(Kailash Gufa) and Sankhuwasabha (Num).
Distribution outside Nepal
Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Lao PDR,
Malaysia, Myanmar, Taiwan Province of China,
Thailand, Viet Nam.
Main Threats
• Deforestation.
• Disturbance to roosting sites.
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