Identification:
Small bats, lighter brown in color than the fur tips. Dark brown patagium. The noseleaf is typical for Rhinolophus, with a posterior leaf having a base nearly as wide as its height, and a rounded tip. Forearm length: 40 – 43 mm.
Biology and Ecology:
These bats typically inhabit caves, primary, and secondary forests. They are sometimes found roosting in hollow bamboo, the young shoots of banana plants, and in caves, forming colonies of hundreds of individuals. They forage during the early morning or evening hours. Their diet consists of insects found in the areas where they live.
Distribution:
Vietnam: Lai Chau (Muong Mun, Muong Mo), Con Dao.
Worldwide: Cambodia, Borneo.
Value:
A rare leaf-nosed bat, with a restricted distribution in Borneo and Vietnam. It possesses scientific, aesthetic, and ecological value by consuming harmful insects in nature.
Conservation Status:
Rarely encountered in Vietnam due to habitat limitations and a small population size.
Recommended Conservation Measures:
Prohibit the capture of bats and the exploitation of bat guano in their roosting sites. Appropriate conservation measures are necessary for this rare species.