Cape Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus capensis)

The Cape Horseshoe Bat. (Image: Michigan Science Art)

The Cape Horseshoe Bat has been listed as a vulnerable species. It is a dark brown bat of medium size. It has a distinct horseshoe marking around its nose, thus becoming the Cape Horseshoe Bat. The front of the bat is a lighter colour than the rest of their body.

They feed mainly on insects, caught mid-flight. The Cape Horseshoe Bat flies slower when feeding, and flies just above the vegetation where the insects are most plentiful.

The bat was first reported in 1823 by Lichtenstein where it was found at the Cape of Good Hope. The bats are found in coastal or sea caves.

They have a wingspam of around 47-52 cms, with the females being slighter smaller than the males.

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Bibliography:
Skinner & Smithers. 1990 The Mammals of the Southern African Sub-region