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Mammals · Sulawesi

Tatar Horseshoe Bat

Tatar Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus tatar). Tatar horseshoe bats are known from Sulawesi; public species accounts are sparse, so field identification needs expert and acoustic evidence.

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Scientific illustrations of the noseleaf, skull and lower jaw of Rhinolophus tatar from its original 1982 description.
Original-description anatomical plate: noseleaf of paratype ZMA 21.839 (1–3), and skull and lower jaw of holotype ZMA 21.838 (4–5). Bergmans & Rozendaal (1982), Figures 1–5; not a live-animal photograph. Wim Bergmans & Frank G. Rozendaal (1982), Figures 1–5; Naturalis Institutional Repository · CC BY 4.0 · Image shown without cropping. · Open full image

Quick answer

IUCN status: Least Concern

Tatar Horseshoe Bat at a glance

The Tatar Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus tatar) is a mammal in the family Rhinolophidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Southeast Sulawesi. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Sulawesi. Diet: insect-eater (insectivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

Quick facts: Tatar Horseshoe Bat
Scientific nameRhinolophus tatar
GroupMammals
FamilyRhinolophidae
Observation recordsSoutheast Sulawesi
Linked habitatsTropical Rainforests
Taxonomic groupChiroptera
GBIF records405 human-observation records, 2016–2026
Data retrieved2026-09-23
IUCN statusLeast Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026
Diet typeCarnivore (meat-eater) — insect-eater (insectivore) · IUCN Red List
ReproductionGiving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web
ActiveNocturnal (active at night) · Rhinolophidae (horseshoe bats) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan
Endemic to IndonesiaYes — Sulawesi · IUCN Red List
In this guide (13)
About this guideThis guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

What is the Tatar Horseshoe Bat?

Tatar Horseshoe Bat refers to Rhinolophus tatar, in the genus Rhinolophus, family Rhinolophidae, and order Chiroptera. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗

What is known about the Tatar Horseshoe Bat?

Tatar horseshoe bats are known from Sulawesi; public species accounts are sparse, so field identification needs expert and acoustic evidence.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: Naturalis — taxonomic account of Rhinolophus tatar ↗

Habitat and field observations of the Tatar Horseshoe Bat

A mammal taxonomic treatment records this bat from lowland to lower-montane Sulawesi rainforest. The same account explicitly lacks reliable food and social-organisation details.

Evidence: GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗

How many Indonesian records name the Tatar Horseshoe Bat?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 405 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Southeast Sulawesi. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

How can you observe the Tatar Horseshoe Bat?

Watch from a distance, do not feed, and avoid sharing precise locations of vulnerable dens or resting sites. Do not try to catch or touch wild mammals. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Tatar Horseshoe Bat with Diadem Roundleaf Bat, Fawn Roundleaf Bat, Lesser false vampire bat. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

Explore related habitats

These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.

Scientific classification of the Tatar Horseshoe Bat

Scientific classification from kingdom to species
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderChiroptera
FamilyRhinolophidae
GenusRhinolophus
SpeciesRhinolophus tatar

Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).

Common questions about the Tatar Horseshoe Bat

What is the scientific name of the Tatar Horseshoe Bat?

The scientific name of the Tatar Horseshoe Bat is Rhinolophus tatar, in the family Rhinolophidae and the order Chiroptera.

What kind of animal is the Tatar Horseshoe Bat?

The Tatar Horseshoe Bat is a mammal in the family Rhinolophidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insect-eater (insectivore). It is also endemic to Indonesia.

Where does the Tatar Horseshoe Bat live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Tatar Horseshoe Bat summarised in this guide mainly come from Southeast Sulawesi. That list is not a complete range map.

The Tatar Horseshoe Bat is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Sulawesi. Source: IUCN Red List.

Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests.

What does the Tatar Horseshoe Bat eat?

The Tatar Horseshoe Bat is a insect-eater (insectivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: IUCN Red List.

How does the Tatar Horseshoe Bat reproduce?

The Tatar Horseshoe Bat reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.

Is the Tatar Horseshoe Bat nocturnal?

The cited source records the Tatar Horseshoe Bat as nocturnal (active at night). Source: Rhinolophidae (horseshoe bats) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan.

See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.

What is the scientific classification of the Tatar Horseshoe Bat?

Scientific classification of the Tatar Horseshoe Bat: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Chiroptera, family Rhinolophidae, genus Rhinolophus, species Rhinolophus tatar.

Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

Is the Tatar Horseshoe Bat endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Tatar Horseshoe Bat is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Tatar Horseshoe Bat is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
  4. Naturalis — taxonomic account of Rhinolophus tatar ↗
  5. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  6. Species account — background reading ↗
  7. IUCN Red List ↗
  8. Animal Diversity Web ↗
  9. Rhinolophidae (horseshoe bats) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan ↗
  10. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
  11. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →

Cite this page

Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.

PanduanHewan. Tatar Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus tatar). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/rhinolophus-tatar/