Order: Chiroptera – Family: Rhinolophidae

Status: EN – Endangered.
Importance for gene pool preservation: In Asia, represented by the subspecies R. b. meyeroehmi Felten, 1977. Southern Turkmenistan is its only habitat in Central Asia.

Distribution: Western and Central Kopetdag and its foothills – Sumbar and Chandyr river valleys, and the Kow-Ata cave. Outside Turkmenistan: Africa, Southwest Asia, Iranian Highlands, and Southern Europe.

Habitat: Deep caves and occasionally old, humid mine tunnels.

Population: About 250–300 individuals were found in Kow-Ata cave in the 1930s. In August 2010, a single young female was captured. In 2019, about 110 bats were counted in Kow-Ata cave, around 135 near Murche village, and 6 near the Yylysuw spring.

Biological features: Found alone or in small groups, often alongside other bat species. Likely migratory. Appears in early March. Breeds once per year, giving birth to one offspring. Pregnant females appear in early to mid-May. By mid-to-late August, young bats reach adult size. Feeds in river valleys with trees and shrubs. Females depart Kow-Ata cave earlier (early October) than males (late October). Wintering sites in Turkmenistan remain unknown.

Breeding: Not recorded.

Conservation actions: Listed in the IUCN Red List. Included in the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan since 1985. Habitats are located within the boundaries of Syunt-Hasardag and Kopetdag State Nature Reserves.

Recommended actions: Grant Nature Monument status to Kow-Ata cave. Raise public awareness about species protection.

Research needs: Study species biology and distribution in Kopetdag. Monitor population trends.

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