It was described as a subspecies of the diadem leaf-nosed bat in 1970, with the trinomenofHipposideros diadema inornatus.[2] Its taxonomic status has fluctuated several times since its initial description as a subspecies. Since 1970, it has been fully synonymized with the diadem leaf-nosed bat, recognized again as a subspecies, affirmed as a full species, demoted again to subspecies, and elevated once again to full species.[3] Its species name "inornatus" is Latin for "unadorned."
As of 2020, it is considered a vulnerable species by the IUCN. It meets the criteria for this classification because it is estimated that there are fewer than 1,000 mature individuals left. However, the species does occur within a protected area and its population trend is believed to be stable.[1] In Australia, it is federally listed as "endangered" under the EPBC Act. Locally, it is listed as "vulnerable" in the Northern Territory under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2000.[4]
^McKean, J.L. (1970). "A New Subspecies of the Horseshoe Bat, Hipposideros diadema, from the Northern Territory, Australia". The Western Australian Naturalist. 11 (6).
^Jackson, S.; Jackson, S. M.; Groves, C. (2015). Taxonomy of Australian mammals. CSIRO PUBLISHING.
