The intermediate horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus affinis) is a
bat species of the family
Rhinolophidae (“nose crest”) that is very widespread throughout much of the
Indian subcontinent, southern and central
China and
Southeast Asia. It is listed by
IUCN as
Least Concern as it is considered common where it occurs, without any known major threats.[1]
Taxonomy
The intermediate horseshoe bat was
described as a new species in 1823 by American naturalist
Thomas Horsfield.[1] The
holotype was collected on the Indonesian island of
Java.[2]
Rhinolophus affinis is divided into the following nine subspecies:[2]
R. a. affinis
R. a. andamanensis
R. a. hainanus
R. a. himalayanus
R. a. macrurus
R. a. nesites
R. a. princes
R. a. superans
R. a. tener
It varies in appearance and echolocation characteristics throughout its range, suggesting that this taxon may represent a
species complex of closely related species.[2]
Description
The intermediate horseshoe bat has a total length of 58–63 mm (2.3–2.5 in), with a forearm length of 46–56 mm (1.8–2.2 in).[3] Individuals weigh approximately 12–15 g (0.42–0.53 oz).[4]
Distribution
The intermediate horseshoe bat is widely distributed throughout Asia, occurring from India and China throughout Southeast Asia.[5] It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam.[1][6] The easternmost extent of its range are the Indonesian
Lesser Sunda Islands and
Java.[5] It is found at elevations from 290–2,000 m (950–6,560 ft) above sea level.[1]
^
abMaharadatunkamsi; Hisheh, S.; Kitchener, D. J.; Schmitt, L. H. (2000). "Genetic and morphometric diversity in Wallacea: Geographical patterning in the horse shoe bat, Rhinolophus affinis". Journal of Biogeography. 27 (1): 193–201.
Bibcode:
2000JBiog..27..193M.
doi:
10.1046/j.1365-2699.2000.00381.x.
S2CID84282300.