Lesser horseshoe bat  (Rhinolophus hipposideros)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

Occurs throughout central and southern Europe but has declined in the north. In Britain it has become extinct in the Midlands and in the south-east (4) and is now restricted to south-west England and Wales (3).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

Once found roosting only in caves, maternity roosts now occur in old buildings, often in warm attics. Hibernation still tends to take place underground (3) in caves, mines and cellars (4). They feed in sheltered valleys (2), and foothills (4) amongst mixed woodland, and along hedgerows and tree lines (3).

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