Rhinolophidae

Horseshoe bats belong to the family Rhinolophidae, which includes the living genus Rhinolophus, comprising about 106 species, and the extinct genus Palaeonycteris. They are related to Old World leaf-nosed bats (family Hipposideridae). The horseshoe bats are divided into six subgenera and exhibit complex taxonomy, with many likely cryptic species. They are mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.

These small to medium-sized microbats weigh 4–28 g and have forearm lengths of 30–75 mm. Known for their large horseshoe-shaped nose-leafs, they utilize sophisticated echolocation to hunt insects and spiders. Mating systems vary; some species are monogamous, while others are polygynous, and gestation lasts about seven weeks.

Horseshoe bats are important to humans as potential disease reservoirs, particularly for SARS-related coronaviruses. They are also hunted for food in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, and some species are used in traditional medicine in countries such as Nepal and Vietnam.