Schneider’s leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros speoris) roost ecology: echolocation frequency shifts?
What ultrasonic CF frequency bands distinguish Hipposideros speoris colonies roosting inside ancient ruined irrigation tunnels in Polonnaruwa?
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3 Answers from travellers
Schneider’s Leaf-nosed Bat (Hipposideros speoris) is a specialized rhinolophid bat common in dry-zone historical ruins, old culverts, and cave tunnels. Unlike vesper bats that use frequency-modulated sweeps, Hipposideros utilizes constant-frequency (CF) echolocation pulses terminating in a short downward sweep. Full-spectrum acoustic detectors register their dominant CF component at 128 kHz to 135 kHz. This extreme high frequency allows them to detect fluttering insect wings among complex thorny acacia branches without acoustic clutter interference.
Their fleshy nose-leaf acts as an acoustic horn, focusing the 130 kHz beam in narrow spatial angles as they scan surroundings from underground roosts.
Do not enter breeding roosts during May and June; lactating females drop non-volant pups when startled by flashlights and acoustic recording gear.
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