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Presentation
The Greater Horseshoe Bat is a medium-sized bat distinguished by its highly distinctive facial structure. Its nose features a complex of skin folds shaped like a horseshoe, giving it its scientific name. It is one of the largest horseshoe bat species in Europe and North Africa.
The Greater Horseshoe Bat has large, pointed ears without a tragus (internal cartilaginous projection). Its wings are broad and rounded, adapted for slow and maneuverable flight. The wing membrane extends to the base of the toes, forming a pouch between the hind legs.
Did you know?
The bat is the only mammal capable of active flight.
Characteristics
Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.
Habitat and distribution
The Greater Horseshoe Bat inhabits deciduous forests and mountainous areas of Europe and North Africa. It prefers semi-open landscapes, woodlands, grasslands and agricultural areas interspersed with trees, near caves or underground structures for roosting.
CURRENT RANGE
The Greater Horseshoe Bat is distributed in Southern and Central Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Its range extends from Portugal to Iran, with populations in France, Spain, Italy, Greece and the Maghreb, including Tunisia.
Behaviour
It is a nocturnal species that roosts during the day in caves, abandoned mines or buildings. It uses echolocation with high-frequency calls emitted through the mouth. It flies slowly and close to the ground, capable of hovering to catch prey.
Reproduction
The Greater Horseshoe Bat mates in autumn after an elaborate ritual. Females give birth to one young per year, usually in June-July. Lactation lasts approximately 5 weeks. Young become independent fliers after 6 to 8 weeks.
Peculiarities
Its complex nasal system (nasal leaf) plays a crucial role in emitting directional echolocation ultrasounds. The Greater Horseshoe Bat can hear extremely subtle sounds produced by insects, enabling highly precise hunting. Its long ear hairs are richly innervated and sensory.
Threats and conservation
Main threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, pesticide use reducing insect populations, and roost disturbance. Climate change also affects seasonal cycles and insect availability.
Numbers and trends vary across sources and regions. See the IUCN assessment for the latest reference data.
Gallery
1 documented photographs.
References
UICN — Liste rouge des espèces menacées
Profile updated 08 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least concern (LC)
IUCN source, latest published assessment.
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