A medium-sized horseshoe bat endemic to southern Europe and parts of North Africa, characterized by its distinctive horseshoe-shaped nose leaf and echolocation abilities.
Predominantly found in Mediterranean karst landscapes, caves, abandoned buildings, and forested mountain regions at elevations between 200-1,500 meters, preferring humid and warm microenvironments.
Critical pollinator and insectivore, controlling insect populations and contributing to ecosystem biodiversity through seed dispersal and nutrient cycling.
