Greater Horseshoe Bat

The greater horseshoe bat is the largest horseshoe bat in Europe. The fur is soft and fluffy, light grey at the base, grey-brown on the back and grey-white below, and young bats have an ash-grey tint. Length is 57 to 71mm with a 35 to 43mm tail and a 350 to 400mm wingspan. Females are slightly larger than males (Wikipedia, general species account).

Horseshoe bats also live in montane forests among the Himalayan mountains and valleys, roosting in tight clusters in caves, old temples and ruined buildings. The species is sedentary and typically travels up to 30km between winter and summer roosts, the longest recorded movement being 180km. The source opened is mostly about European populations. Nationally Least Concern (Nepal National Red List 2011).