Order: Chiroptera | Family: Vespertilionidae

Status: Category V (DD). Data Deficient.
Significance for gene pool preservation: Widespread but poorly studied species. Vulnerable to anthropogenic impact.

Distribution: Western and Central Kopetdag, upper and middle Sumbar River, middle Murghab River, and the foothills of Koytendag. Also found in mountainous regions of Central Asia, northern Afghanistan and Iran, and Eastern Transcaucasia.

Habitat: Mountains and foothills, always close to river valleys. Roosts in wet caves, rock crevices, and abandoned tunnels.

Population and trends: In Turkmenistan, the population has always been low. True numbers and trends are currently unknown.

Biological features: Sedentary species; hibernates in winter. Does not form large colonies. Individuals live alone or in small groups (breeding females). Becomes active after dusk, hunting low in the air. Pregnant females observed in May. Breeding occurs in early summer, with one offspring per season.

Breeding: Not studied.

Conservation actions applied: Not listed as a separate species in the IUCN Red List; included under B. leucomelas with LC status. Newly listed in the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan. Habitats are within protected areas.

Conservation measures needed: Strengthen protection.

Research recommendations: Collect new data on distribution, population, and biology; monitor population status; identify new winter and summer roosting sites.