Fauna
Mammal · GBIF taxon 2432660

Thomas's Horseshoe Bat

Rhinolophus thomasi

Thomas's horseshoe bat navigates dense subtropical limestone karst forests using complex echolocation calls emitted through its elaborate nasal leaf. Individuals roost singly or in modest colonies within caves and rock crevices, emerging at dusk to hawk insects beneath the forest understory. Their broad, rounded wings grant exceptional agility, allowing them to hover briefly and snatch moths and beetles directly from foliage.

NocturnalCave DwellerInsectivore
Thomas's Horseshoe Bat reference
Licensed reference(c) Wich’yanan (Jay) Limparungpatthanakij, some rights reserved (CC BY) / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Noctuid moths
  • Small beetles
  • Dipteran flies
Predators
  • Cave racer
  • Barn owl
  • Large-spotted civet
ThreatsHabitat loss from deforestation, roost disturbance from cave tourism, and agricultural pesticide use
HabitatsKarst limestone caves, lowland moist evergreen forests, and montane forests
Life span6–15 years
Classification
  1. FamilyRhinolophidae
  2. SpeciesRhinolophus thomasi
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskModerate
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is moderate
Bats can carry zoonotic viruses and bite defensively; observe without approaching or handling.
Why it is dangerous
Like all wild bats, this species can carry rabies and other zoonotic pathogens transmissible through defensive bites or saliva contact.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by its fleshy horseshoe-shaped nose-leaf, pointed sella, and lack of a tragus in the ear.
What to do
Never touch or attempt to rescue a grounded bat bare-handed; contact local wildlife authorities.
Responsible observation
  • Roost etiquette: Avoid shining bright flashlights directly into cave ceilings where bats are resting.
  • Acoustic monitoring: Use a bat detector tuned to high ultrasonic frequencies to listen for echolocation calls.
  • Distance guideline: Keep well clear of cave entrances at dusk so foraging flights remain undisturbed.
Related species
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