The Andaman horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus cognatus) is a species of bat in the family Rhinolophidae. It is endemic to the Andaman Islands.[1] During the day, it roosts in caves, but may also choose tree hollows.[2]
As the horseshoe bat genus is very speciose, it is further divided into closely related species groups. The Andaman horseshoe bat is placed into the pusillus species group.[4] Other species belonging to this species group include:
They have lancets that are long and spatulate. The lateral margins of the lancet are concave.[6] The forearm of this species measures 39–39.7 millimetres (1.54–1.56 in). Their skulls are 17.2–18.6 millimetres (0.68–0.73 in) long.[6] They roost in colonies of fewer than 50 individuals.[1]
This species is only found on the Andaman Islands. It is not found on the nearby Nicobar Islands. Its upper elevation limit is 600 metres (2,000 ft). During the day, it roosts in caves, although tree cavities are also sometimes used.[1]
During surveys in 2013 and 2014, it was noted that this species was absent from previous known roosts in several caves. This could be indicative of a decline in the number of subpopulations, or in the total population. Prior to 2008, this species was listed as vulnerable through the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In 2008, its status was revised to endangered. The species is in danger of becoming extinct due to its restricted range of less than 500 km2 (190 sq mi), its existence in fewer than five locations, and the continued decline in locations of occurrence. While it is not specifically protected by India's Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, most of its habitat is within protected areas or areas with restricted access.[1] Possible threats to this species include disturbance related to edible-nest swiftlet nest harvesting.[2]
^Andersen, K. (1906). On some new or little-known bats of the genus Rhinolophus in the collection of the Museo Civico, Genoa. Annali del Museo Civico di Storia Naturalia di Genova, Serie, 3(2), 1905.
^ abcdSrinivasulu, C., & Srinivasulu, B. (2012). South Asian Mammals. In South Asian Mammals (pp. 9-98). Springer New York.
^Wu, Yi; Motokawa, Masaharu; Harada, Masashi; Thong, Vu Dinh; Lin, Liang-Kong & Li, Yu-Chun (2012). "Morphometric variation in the pusillus group of the genus Rhinolophus (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae) in east Asia". Zoological Science. 29 (6): 396–402. doi:10.2108/zsj.29.396. PMID22639811.
