Rhinolophus euryale
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Rare and Endangered Animals of Armenia
The Horseshoe Bats
The horseshoe bats of the Rhinolophus genus comprise approximately 69 individual species. This is the largest group within the Rhinolophidae family of bats, though they show very little in the way of ecological diversity and are very much a variation on the same theme.
Their common name comes from the large horseshoe-shaped nose leaf used for directing their ultrasound.
They have very broad, rounded wings and very fluttery flight patterns, the "archetypal flying bat". They occour over a wide range of temperate to tropical woodland and open habitat where they catch insects in mid flight and also glean insects and spiders off foliage whilst hovering in front of their prey.
They are thought to represent very closely the ancestral form of the "microbat" group and so are considered among the more primitive of the whole Microchiroptera.
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Animal in Armenia
Հարավային պայտաքիթ ("Haravain paytakit")
Status
The peripheral part of natural habitat is within former Soviet Union territory. Rare and less studied species. Was included in the Red Book of the Soviet Union.
Habitat in Armenia
Natural habitat of this species is limited to Yeghegnadzor and Vayk regions in Armenia. Was met in three caves of Gnishik gorge next to Areni Village (Yeghegnadzor region) and in the caves of Zaritap and Martiros villages (Vayk region).
Number in the wild
Can be met in Armenia from late May to late October. A huge number with 2000 species was discovered in 1975 (Areni Village). In the other cave the number of species does not exceed 20 – 35.
Reasons for decrease in number
Not examined.
Number in captivity
No data.
Measures of protection taken
None