Halcyon horseshoe bat
Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Rhinolophus alcyone

The halcyon horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus alcyone ) is a species of bat in the family Rhinolophidae. It is found in Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Togo, Uganda, possibly Gabon, and possibly Sierra Leone. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, moist savanna, caves, and subterranean habitats (other than caves). It is threatened by habitat loss.

Appearance

Individuals have a forearm length of 48–56 mm (1.9–2.2 in) and weigh 14–23 g (0.49–0.81 oz). It is considered medium sized for an African horseshoe bat. The fur of its back is dark or medium brown, while its belly fur is paler. Alternately, some individuals have pale brown to orangeish-red fur. The dramatic color differences correspond to eastern and western populations of the species, which may lead to a reevaluation of their taxonomic statuses.

Distribution

Geography

The halcyon horseshoe bat is distributed widely throughout Central and Western Africa. It is Sub-Saharan, with the southernmost extent of its range in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Though there is a record of it from Gabon, it is possible that this is mistaken identity of the forest horseshoe bat. Its habitat includes forests and savannas. During the day, it roosts in sheltered places like caves, hollow logs, mines, or rarely, huts.

Halcyon horseshoe bat habitat map
Halcyon horseshoe bat habitat map
Halcyon horseshoe bat

Habits and Lifestyle

Its diet and reproductive patterns are unknown, but four pregnant females were documented in February in Ivory Coast. While roosting it may be solitary or in small groups. It is affected by fly parasites Phthiridium inopinatum, a nycteribiid, andRaymondia allisoni, a streblid.

Lifestyle

References

1. Halcyon horseshoe bat Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halcyon_horseshoe_bat
2. Halcyon horseshoe bat on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/19523/21981963

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About