The holotype had been collected approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) southwest of Massah, Libya in 2002.

The eponym for the species name "gaisleri" was Jiří Gaisler, who "significantly contributed to the knowledge of the North African bat fauna".

[2] A 2007 study concluded that it should be considered a full species, P. gaisleri, based on the magnitude of genetic divergence.

[3] Plecotus gaisleri is a medium-sized member of its genus, with a forearm length of 37–42 mm (1.5–1.7 in).

In 2004, its known distribution was limited to an area of about 10,000 km2 (3,900 sq mi), encompassing mountainous and coastal regions.