Introduction 

It’s very well known as one of the species responsible for spreading COVID – 19 viruses. Basically, Rwanda endemic species of bat in the family Rhinolophidae. A Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus Hilli) was found and declared an extinct species around 40 years ago. But recently, it was found and confirmed by the study data published by Bat Conservation International (BCI). This is a holotype of its family and gets collected near Voinjama and Liberia. Initially, the Horseshoe bat is mentioned under the near-threatened species conservation due to habitat destruction, but the latter gets degraded. As a result, it is one of the rarest species. 

Among around 1300 bat species on our planet, the horseshoe bat is the most comical-looking creature. The horseshoe bat was first recognized as a whole species in 2002. As we all know, bats are creatures who primarily used to live in dark and damp places like caves. Unfortunately, very little information is explored about Horseshoe Bat as it is seen after a huge gap of 40 years since 1981. 

Today in this blog, we will explore some facts about Hill’s Horseshoe Bat, its population, biological conservation status, habitat, and behavior.

Who is Horseshoe Bat?

A critically endangered species that is not seen since 1981 and is now recently found by the Bat Conservation International (BCI) in the Nyungwe National Park. The BCI published all the survey and data reports in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. According to this data, it is endemic to Rwanda. It has only been recorded within Nygunue National Park, but the roosting site is not yet confirmed. It is a very rare species with a petite core range.

Getup and Body Structure of the Horseshoe Bat

Very easily distinguishable animal due to its unique body features. It is a bat with big pointed ears a Horseshoe shaped nose. The nose leaf or skin folds around nostrils provide a specific shape like a horseshoe. The lower part of the nose typically appears U-shaped. It is a creature with broad, rounded wings and a short tail. Its face is hidden behind the flaps or fold of skin. The length of forearms is 52 to 58 mm, and weight varies about 10 to 30 gm. 

The exact function of the features, specifically facial appearance, is not clear yet. Still, according to the many conservationists, it must provide help in Echolocation. Horseshoe bat belongs to the class Mammalia and species R. hillorum. And the eponym for the species name hillorum was unrelated to the mammologist John Eric Hill and John Edward Hill.  

The fur color usually is grey-brown to different brown shades, and sometimes it appears red also. Loose, smooth, long, and soft fur covers the whole body, including the small tail. Eyes size is usually small, corneal, and as we know, bats are the guardian of the night.

Nyungwe National Park 

Nyungwe National Park is the 2nd largest national park in Rwanda. And it protects a large no of species under it. The park is recognized for its huge biodiversity with 1000 recorded plant species, 300 plus bird species, 75 known and 13 primates. In addition, it acquires 1019 square kilometers of Afromontane rainforest habitat in the Albertine rift region of Africa.

The park has been managed and controlled by the African Parks management agreement with the Rwanda Development Board since October 2020. One survey was started in 2013 in southern Rwanda to identify and find animal species till 2020. Horseshoe Bat was rediscovered after 40 years by the multi-national team of experts led by Bat Conservation International, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA). 

Diet of Horseshoe Bat

An insectivore bat loves to eat insects like beetles, flies, and moths. However, horseshoe bat has a remarkable ability to produce ultrasound waves to search their prey. It emits ultrasound through its nostrils, and small eyes and field of vision seem to be quietly disturbed due to the nose leaf and the skin around it. Still, it can easily find insects from even a long range.

Echolocation calls are the high-frequency pulses of sound emitted by the bat to navigate and hunt for prey. And these echolocation calls recorded by some scientists provide the pathways for the search of these bats. The particular facial appurtenances might help to direct outgoing echolocation calls. The migratory route of some species can also be predicted using echolocation calls. 

Conservation, Habitat, and Population 

Mostly prefer to live in groups and love to roost in dark and damp places like caves. These animals are native to temperate regions, and they love to hibernate in winters. Commonly found in western and central Africa, where it is confirmed in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria. Its presence in Uganda is possible but not yet confirmed. Its range is around 7700 sq. mi. 

Horseshoe bats are showing a declining population due to habitat destruction and predation. More reasons behind the small and declining population include hunting, mining, and quarrying. According to the IUCN report, the species is under critically endangered conservational status. And there are no specific programs planned for their conservation. Still, Bat Conservation International runs a survey for such rare and near-extinct animals. In addition, Nyungwe National Park of Rwanda provides special protection for such rare species with the help of the Rwanda Development Board and wildlife conservation association.

Other Facts About Horseshoe Bat

Do you know? One of the reasons behind today’s hot topic COVID – 19 is the Hills Horseshoe bat. These are the carriers of coronaviruses, some of which can cause respiratory diseases in humans. There is a strong similarity between some coronavirus genomes in horseshoe bats, SARS – COV. SARS – COV virus responsible for the 2002 SARS outbreak while SARS – COV2 is responsible for the COVID – 19 pandemics. 

The COVID – 19 viruses are spread in humans directly or via animals’ intermediates. And according to the various studies, it is suggested that the coronavirus may first emerge in horseshoe bat before mutation and jumping in humans through multiple carriers. It does not show any significance to mankind.