Rhinolophus capensis (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae)

Abstract

Rhinolophus capensis Lichtenstein, 1823 is a medium-sized rhinolophid commonly called the Cape horseshoe bat. It has a characteristic horseshoe-shaped nose leaf that surrounds its nostrils but does not cover the entire muzzle. This species is endemic to South Africa and is typically found in caves along the coastal parts of Northern, Western, and Eastern Cape provinces. It is a gregarious species that is often found roosting with R. clivosus and Miniopterus schreibersii natalensis. From a conservation standpoint, R. capensis has been listed as vulnerable until recently, when its listing was changed to near threatened