Diversity and Conservation of Bats in Saudi Arabia

The bats of Saudi Arabia consist 30 species and 21 genera within 9 families (Pteropodidae, Rhinopomatidae, Rhinolophidae, Emballonuridae, Nycteridae, Hipposideridae, Miniopteridae, Molossidae, Vespertilionidae). Some have been recorded from only one locality: Epomophorus labiatus, Hipposideros megalotis Asellia patrizii. taxonomy some was updated. Details on the past present distribution were included along with available data their habitat preference biology. An analysis bat fauna revealed that they six major zoogeographical affinities; Afrotropical (eight species), Saharo-Sindian (three Afrotropical-Palaearctic (four Palaearctic oriental (one Afrotropical-oriental (two species). patrizii stands as an endemic known Eretria, Ethiopia, Farasan Island in Arabia, Rhyneptesicus nasutus is considered a Middle East confined to Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, reaching far western Arabia. At least more are suspected occur since reported neighboring Yemen. threats conservation status highlighted.