[2] The Hipposideros bats of South Asia are divided into closely related species groups.

The Kolar leaf-nosed bat is placed in the "bicolor" species group, which is characterized by the absence of secondary leaflets on their nose-leaves and a forearm length of 33–44 mm (1.3–1.7 in).

[4] It is known from only one cave in Hanumanahalli village in the Kolar district of the state of Karnataka in India.

The habitat surrounding its single remaining cave consists of tropical dry shrubland.

The Kolar leaf-nosed bat is found in only one cave, and its population is less than 200 individuals.

In 2022, the Indian Wildlife Protection Act was amended to add four more bat species, including the Kolar leaf-nosed bat,[8] to Schedule I, allowing it the highest legal protection in the country.