Leaf-nosed Bat (Hipposideros sp) species is endemic to South Asia where it is widely distributed. It has been recorded from sea level to an elevation of around 1,000 m asl. Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.
It occurs in southern dry zone, lower foothills and wet zone hills of Sri Lanka (Phillips 1980). It is an early and high flyer, and feeds on large beetles (coleopterans) and other large and hard bodied insects. This species breeds once a year and gives birth to a single young after a gestation period of 260 days.
This species is threatened by habitat loss, largely through commercial logging and the conversion of land for agricultural use, for plantation of cash crops and for human settlements.
It is very sensitive to disturbance to roosting sites and is hunted for local consumption and medicinal purposes
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