[2] In later publications, it was considered a subspecies of the dusky leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros ater).

A 2011 study expanded on these morphological differences and the authors determined they were significant enough to consider the Nicobar leaf-nosed bat a full species.

[1] The Nicobar leaf-nosed bat is listed as an endangered species largely due to its restricted geographic range.

Because it is only found on the Nicobar islands, it is highly vulnerable to local disturbances such as deforestation, cyclones, or tsunamis.

Other threats to the species include cave disturbance due to edible-nest swiftlet nest poaching.