Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
Habitat
This species inhabits limestone caves in western Thailand, particularly near rivers and forested areas. They prefer dark, humid cave environments for roosting during the day.
Diet
Kitti's hog-nosed bat primarily feeds on small insects such as beetles, moths, and flies, which it catches in mid-air. It hunts at night using echolocation and typically forages close to its cave roosts.
Behavior
These bats are highly social, forming colonies of up to 100 individuals in caves. They are nocturnal, emerging at dusk to forage, and exhibit strong echolocation for navigation and hunting. They are not particularly territorial but return to the same roosting sites.
Conservation Status
IUCN status is Vulnerable due to habitat loss from limestone quarrying and cave disturbances. Population trends are decreasing, with major threats including human encroachment and pollution.